What is Dry Mouth? | What Causes Dry Mouth? | Treatment for Dry Mouth | Keep Your Mouth Healthy | FAQs
- What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet. Everyone has dry mouth once in a while -- if they are nervous, upset, or under stress. But if you have dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and lead to serious health problems. Though many older adults have dry mouth, it is not a normal part of aging.
- What is the role of saliva?
Saliva does more than keep your mouth wet. It helps digest food, protects teeth from decay, helps to heal sores in your mouth, and prevents infection by controlling bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the mouth. Saliva is also what helps us chew and swallow. Each of these functions of saliva is hampered when a person has dry mouth.
- What problems can dry mouth cause?
Dry mouth can cause several problems, including difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Dry mouth may also increase your chance of developing dental decay and infections in the mouth.
- What are the symptoms of dry mouth?
Dry mouth can be uncomfortable. Some people notice a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth. Others notice a burning feeling or difficulty while eating. The throat may feel dry, too, and swallowing can be difficult. Also, people with dry mouth may develop mouth sores, cracked lips, and a dry, rough tongue.
- Can side effects of medications cause dry mouth?
Yes. More than 400 medicines, including some over-the-counter medications, can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often cause dry mouth.
- What medical treatments can cause dry mouth?
Certain cancer treatments can affect the salivary glands. Head and neck radiation therapy can cause the glands to produce little or no saliva. Chemotherapy may cause the salivary glands to produce thicker saliva, which makes the mouth feel dry and sticky.
- What are other causes of dry mouth?
Some diseases affect the salivary glands. Sjögren's syndrome and diabetes can cause dry mouth. Injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.
- Where can I get more information on Sjögren's syndrome?
Sjögren's Syndrome Clinic
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Building 10, Room 1N113
10 Center Drive MSC 1190
Bethesda, MD 20892-1190
301-435-8528 - How is dry mouth treated?
Dry mouth treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. If you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician. He or she can help to determine what is causing your dry mouth. If your dry mouth is caused by medicine, your physician might change your medicine or adjust the dosage.
- How is artificial saliva different from saliva that is naturally produced?
Artificial salivas are made to mimic the physical characteristics of naturally produced saliva -- they help to moisten and lubricate the mouth. However, artificial salivas DO NOT prevent dental decay, promote healing of sores in the mouth, or help control most infections in your mouth.
- What types of foods and beverages should I avoid if I have dry mouth?
You should avoid sticky and sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterwards. Also, be aware that spicy and salty foods can cause pain in a dry mouth.
You should also avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol. They can dry out the mouth.
- What foods and beverages are beneficial if I have dry mouth?
You should drink water or sugarless drinks. They make chewing and swallowing easier when eating. Also, sugarless gum and sugarless hard candy are beneficial because they stimulate saliva flow.
- What should I do if I have difficulty swallowing?
You should cut your food in small pieces, chew your food very carefully, and drink plenty of fluids while you are eating. Also, see your dentist or physician as soon as possible to determine the reason for your swallowing problem.
- How often should I brush and floss to keep my mouth healthy?
You should gently brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
- What kind of toothpaste should I use to keep my teeth healthy?
You should use toothpaste with fluoride in it. Most toothpaste sold at grocery and drug stores have fluoride in them.
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What type of mouthwash should I use to keep my mouth healthy?
You should use mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry out the mouth. -
How often should I visit my dentist?
You should visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year -- and more often if you have dry mouth. Your dentist might give you a special fluoride solution that you can rinse with to help keep your teeth healthy. -
Where can I get more information about dry mouth?
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
1 NOHIC Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3500
(301) 402-7364
Copyright: NIHSeniorHealth.gov developed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) both part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
