Dry mouth (the medical term is xerostomia) means your mouth does not produce enough saliva to keep it moist and comfortable. It affects around 1 in 5 adults in the UK, and becomes more common with age.
Saliva is more important than many people realise. It:
Washes away food and bacteria from teeth
Neutralises acids that cause tooth decay
Contains minerals that help repair early enamel damage
Helps you taste, chew, and swallow food
Protects soft tissues in the mouth
Without enough saliva, your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth infections increases significantly.
What causes dry mouth?
There are many possible causes:
Medications — this is the most common cause. Over 500 medicines are known to reduce saliva flow, including antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure tablets, diuretics, and many others.
Medical conditions — Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune condition) specifically targets saliva glands. Diabetes, anxiety, and Parkinson's disease can also contribute.
Cancer treatment — radiotherapy to the head and neck can permanently damage saliva glands. Chemotherapy can cause temporary dry mouth.
Dehydration — not drinking enough fluid, illness, fever, or vomiting.
Mouth breathing — breathing through the mouth, especially at night, dries the mouth out.
Smoking and alcohol — both reduce saliva flow and irritate oral tissues.
Signs and symptoms
Dry mouth can cause a range of symptoms:
A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth or throat
Frequent thirst
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth or on the tongue
A dry, rough tongue
Cracked lips or sores at the corners of the mouth
Bad breath that does not improve with brushing
A change in taste
More frequent dental decay — especially in unusual sites like along the gumline or on the smooth surfaces of teeth
How is dry mouth managed?
There is no single treatment for dry mouth — management depends on the cause. Your dentist will work with you and, where needed, with your GP or specialist to find the best approach.
Review your medications — if a medicine is causing dry mouth, your GP may be able to adjust the dose or switch to an alternative. Never stop a prescribed medication without medical advice.
Saliva substitutes and sprays — available over the counter or on prescription. Products containing carboxymethylcellulose or hyaluronic acid can provide temporary relief.
Prescription fluoride — your dentist may prescribe a high-strength fluoride toothpaste or gel to protect teeth against the increased decay risk.
Saliva-stimulating medications — in some cases, medicines such as pilocarpine (Salagen) can stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva. This is prescribed by a specialist and is not suitable for everyone — it is contraindicated in people with asthma, certain heart conditions, or uncontrolled glaucoma.
Increased dental monitoring — more frequent check-up and hygiene appointments to catch decay early.
What you can do at home
These everyday strategies can help manage dry mouth:
Sip water frequently throughout the day — keep a bottle with you.
Suck on sugar-free sweets or chew sugar-free gum — this stimulates saliva. Look for products containing xylitol, which also helps protect teeth.
Breathe through your nose where possible — use a humidifier at night if mouth breathing is a problem during sleep.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking — all of which worsen dry mouth.
Avoid very dry, salty, or spicy foods that can irritate a dry mouth.
Use a high-fluoride toothpaste (ask your dentist which is best for you) and brush gently twice daily.
Try a dry mouth mouthwash — standard alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry the mouth further, so choose an alcohol-free product designed for dry mouth.
When to see your dentist
Please make an appointment if:
Dry mouth is affecting your quality of life or your ability to eat and speak
You are developing more frequent cavities than usual
You notice white patches or persistent soreness in your mouth — this could be a fungal infection called oral thrush, which is more common with dry mouth
Dry mouth has started or worsened after starting a new medication
Your dentist is well placed to manage the dental consequences of dry mouth and to coordinate care with your GP.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dentist will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks and treatment specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
References
Aligned with guidance from: NICE, SDCEP, DBOH, FGDP(UK).