A dry mouth (also called xerostomia) happens when your mouth does not make enough saliva. It can feel sticky or uncomfortable, make it harder to talk, chew and swallow, and cause bad breath. Saliva also protects your teeth, so a long-term dry mouth increases the risk of decay. Here are the common causes and the dry mouth remedies that help.
What causes dry mouth?
- Medicines – one of the most common causes. Many medicines, including some antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure tablets and pain relief, can reduce saliva.
- Not drinking enough water, hot weather or exercise.
- Mouth breathing and snoring – especially at night. Snoring can be linked to sleep apnoea.
- Caffeine, alcohol, smoking and vaping – see how vaping affects your teeth.
- Medical conditions – such as diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Radiotherapy to the head and neck.
Why dry mouth matters for your teeth
Saliva washes away food, neutralises acids and helps repair early damage to enamel. Without enough of it, people can develop:
- More tooth decay, especially near the gum line and around fillings
- Gum inflammation and bad breath
- Sore spots under dentures
- Oral thrush
Dry mouth remedies that help
- Sip water regularly throughout the day and keep water by the bed.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free lozenges to stimulate saliva.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, and avoid alcohol-based mouthwash.
- Use a humidifier in the bedroom if your mouth is dry at night.
- Ask your pharmacist about saliva substitute gels or sprays.
- Avoid sugary drinks and frequent snacking, which raise decay risk when saliva is low.
- Ask your dentist whether a high-fluoride toothpaste is right for you.
If you think a medicine is causing your dry mouth, speak to your GP or pharmacist. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine without advice.
When to see a dentist
See a dentist if your mouth feels dry most of the time, you notice new decay or sensitivity, or your dentures have become uncomfortable. Regular check-ups and a professional clean help catch problems early when saliva is reduced.
Struggling with a dry mouth?
If something in your mouth is not healing or you are unsure what it is, the team at Penrith Dental Care can take a look. Call (02) 4733 1197 or book an appointment online.
For more general health information, see healthdirect: dry mouth syndrome.
Related reading
- Bad Breath Treatment Penrith
- What causes tooth sensitivity?
- Bad Taste in Mouth: Common Causes
- Sleep Apnoea Penrith
Looking for more dental health tips? Browse all articles on the Penrith Dental Care blog, or meet the Penrith Dental Care team. Have a question? See our dental FAQ.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.