Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of dry mouth?

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can be uncomfortable and can lead to various symptoms. Some common symptoms of dry mouth include:

1. Dryness: The most obvious symptom is a feeling of dryness in the mouth, often described as a cotton-like sensation.
2. Sore throat: Dry mouth can lead to a sore or hoarse throat.
3. Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking: Reduced saliva production can make these activities more difficult or uncomfortable.
4. Dry or cracked lips: The lips may become dry or cracked due to lack of moisture.
5. Increased thirst: The sensation of dryness in the mouth can lead to an increased desire to drink fluids.
6. Bad breath: Dry mouth can contribute to bad breath (halitosis) due to reduced saliva flow, which normally helps cleanse the mouth.
7. Tongue discomfort: The tongue may feel dry, rough, or irritated.
8. Changes in taste: Reduced saliva flow can affect the ability to taste food properly.
9. Mouth sores or infections: Without enough saliva to cleanse the mouth, the risk of developing mouth sores or infections may increase.
10. Difficulty wearing dentures: Dry mouth can make wearing dentures uncomfortable.
11. Gum irritation: Dry mouth can lead to gum irritation or sensitivity.

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms of dry mouth, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. Chronic dry mouth can lead to dental problems, oral infections, and other complications, so it’s important to address the underlying cause and manage symptoms appropriately.

What are the causes of dry mouth?

Dry mouth can be caused by various factors that affect saliva production or the function of the salivary glands. Some common causes of dry mouth include:

1. Medications: Many medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and medications for high blood pressure and urinary incontinence, can reduce saliva production as a side effect.
2. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can lead to dry mouth, including Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
3. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the head and neck area can damage the salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva production.
4. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs can affect the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth.
5. Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that control the salivary glands can lead to reduced saliva production.
6. Smoking: Smoking can reduce saliva production and contribute to dry mouth.
7. Breathing through the mouth: Chronic mouth breathing, often due to nasal congestion or obstruction, can lead to dry mouth.
8. Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to temporary dry mouth.
9. Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can affect saliva production and lead to dry mouth.
10. Aging: Saliva production tends to decrease with age, leading to a higher prevalence of dry mouth in older adults.
11. Snoring or sleep apnea: Breathing disorders during sleep can lead to mouth breathing and dry mouth.
12. Certain mouthwashes: Some alcohol-based mouthwashes can contribute to dry mouth.
13. Caffeine: Caffeine can have a drying effect on the mouth.

What is the treatment for dry mouth?

Treatment for dry mouth focuses on addressing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. Here are some common approaches to managing dry mouth:

1. Artificial saliva: Over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes can help moisten the mouth and relieve dryness.
2. Prescription medications: Medications that stimulate saliva production, such as pilocarpine (Salagen) or cevimeline (Evoxac), may be prescribed in some cases.
3. Saliva-stimulating medications: Certain medications, such as sugar-free gum or lozenges containing xylitol, can help stimulate saliva production.
4. Good oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent dental problems associated with dry mouth.
5. Use of a humidifier: Using a humidifier in your home, especially in your bedroom while you sleep, can help add moisture to the air and reduce dryness.
6. Avoidance of irritants: Avoiding tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol, which can contribute to dry mouth, may help improve symptoms.
7. Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental visits are important to monitor for signs of dental decay or other oral health issues associated with dry mouth.
8. Treatment of underlying conditions: Managing underlying medical conditions that contribute to dry mouth, such as Sjögren’s syndrome or diabetes, may help improve symptoms.
9. Salivary gland stimulation: Techniques such as sucking on sugar-free candies or chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production.
10. Mouth rinses: Using alcohol-free mouth rinses or rinses specifically formulated for dry mouth can help moisturize the mouth and provide relief.

It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific case of dry mouth. They can help identify the underlying cause of your dry mouth and recommend the best course of action to manage your symptoms.