The short answer
Dry mouth is most often a side effect of a medicine. Mouth breathing, not drinking enough, alcohol, tobacco and some health conditions, such as diabetes or Sjögren’s, can cause it too. It’s more than a nuisance: saliva protects your teeth, so a dry mouth raises the risk of cavities.
Everyone’s mouth feels dry now and then, when nervous or thirsty. When it lasts, it’s called xerostomia. It’s common in older adults, but aging itself doesn’t cause it: older adults simply take more medicines and have more conditions that do.
What causes dry mouth?
- Medicines. Hundreds list dry mouth as a side effect, including some for blood pressure, depression, anxiety, allergies, bladder control and pain. Check the leaflet or ask your pharmacist.
- Mouth breathing and dehydration, including snoring, a blocked nose or not drinking enough.
- Tobacco, alcohol and caffeine, as well as cannabis.
- Health conditions, such as diabetes, Sjögren’s, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
- Cancer treatment to the head and neck, and some chemotherapy.
- Stress or anxiety, usually for a short time.
Why is my mouth dry at night or when I wake up?
Breathing through your mouth while you sleep, snoring and a blocked nose all dry the mouth overnight, and saliva flow drops during sleep anyway. A medicine taken at bedtime can add to it. A cool-mist humidifier and a glass of water by the bed help, and your doctor may suggest taking a drying medicine in the morning instead. Nighttime dryness matters most for your teeth, because acid has hours to work undisturbed.
What can dry mouth be a sign of?
Usually a medicine side effect, but a dry mouth that doesn’t go away can point to diabetes or Sjögren’s, an immune condition that also dries the eyes. Tell your doctor if it lasts, or if you also have trouble swallowing, a burning feeling or white patches in your mouth. Dentists are often the first to notice the signs at a checkup.
How do you get rid of dry mouth?
Treat the cause first. If a medicine is behind it, your doctor may be able to change the dose or switch it, but never stop a medicine on your own. Meanwhile:
- Sip water often through the day, especially with meals.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free candy to get saliva flowing. Xylitol may also help prevent cavities.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash, and look for dry-mouth rinses or saliva substitutes with the ADA Seal.
- Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and sugary or acidic drinks.
For severe dry mouth, your doctor may prescribe a medicine that boosts saliva.
Why does dry mouth matter for your teeth?
Saliva washes away food, neutralizes acid and carries calcium and phosphate that keep enamel strong. Without enough of it, tooth decay can spread quickly, especially at the gum line, and gum disease, mouth sores and thrush become more likely. Breath odor gets stronger too, as our bad breath page explains. With a dry mouth, more frequent checkups and fluoride treatment help catch and prevent damage early.
Dry mouth questions
Why is my mouth dry even though I drink a lot of water?
If your glands make too little saliva, water only wets the mouth for a moment. That’s worth getting checked.
Is there a miracle cure for dry mouth?
No. Relief comes from treating the cause and daily habits such as sipping water, sugar-free gum and a humidifier at night.
Can anxiety cause dry mouth?
Yes, for a short time. Some anxiety medicines can too. If it’s constant, look for another cause.
Living with a dry mouth? Book a checkup and ask about extra fluoride, or call 845-336-5855.
