How to get rid of dry mouth

How to deal with dry mouth

The ADA says to sip water or sugar-free, caffeine-free drinks, suck on ice chips, use lip lubricants frequently, for example every two hours, use a humidifier at night, avoid salty, spicy, dry, hard-to-chew and sticky, sugary foods, and limit alcohol, including alcohol-containing mouthrinses, tobacco and caffeine. NIDCR advises drinking plenty of water, sipping water or sugarless drinks during meals, chewing sugarless gum or sucking sugarless hard candy, using a humidifier at night, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, being cautious with spicy or salty foods and keeping up good home oral care and regular dental checkups.

What causes dry mouth?

NIDCR lists side effects of many medicines, diseases such as Sjogren's disease, HIV and AIDS and diabetes, radiation therapy to the head and neck, chemotherapy and immunotherapy and nerve damage from head or neck injury, and says hundreds of medicines can reduce saliva, including those for high blood pressure, depression and bladder-control problems. The ADA says medications are the most frequent cause, including antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, diuretics, pain relievers, muscle relaxants and GLP-1 receptor agonists, and that taking several medications raises the risk. Cleveland Clinic lists dehydration, autoimmune conditions, viral infections, poorly managed diabetes and over 500 drugs. NIDCR says dry mouth is not a normal part of aging.

How to prevent night-time dry mouth

The ADA says saliva output is lowest during sleep and mouth breathing can worsen symptoms, so a bedside humidifier may help, and that if anticholinergic medications are involved, taking them during the day and in divided doses may reduce nighttime effects, though any change should be discussed with a prescriber. Healthline's morning breath article suggests drinking plenty of water, especially before bed. If you breathe through your mouth because of a blocked nose, ask your doctor to look at the cause.

Saliva substitutes and sugar-free gum

The ADA says saliva substitutes typically contain carboxymethylcellulose and glycerin, can be used as often as needed and give temporary relief but do not fix the cause of dry mouth, and that alcohol-free mouthrinses, lozenges and moisturizing sprays and gels are also available over the counter. It cites a 2011 Cochrane review finding no strong evidence that any specific topical product reliably relieves symptoms. Sugar-free gum, candies and mints can stimulate saliva flow when some salivary function remains, but the same review found no strong evidence gum improved symptoms.

Protecting your teeth

The ADA says reduced saliva raises the risk of tooth decay, especially at the root and near the gumline, and increases demineralization, sensitivity, gum disease and oral infections. It recommends brushing gently at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily, prescription fluoride gel or professional fluoride varnish if your dentist advises, prompt treatment of oral infections, and dental visits at least twice a year. Our guides on fluoride and cavities explain more.

How to stop excessive saliva in the mouth

Cleveland Clinic says excess saliva (hypersalivation) can come from medications such as antipsychotics, including clozapine, untreated cavities, gastroesophageal reflux, nausea and pregnancy, and that muscle weakness in the mouth or throat can cause drooling. The page lists no specific treatments and says to see a provider if it does not go away, who can examine you and run tests to find the cause. NIDCR's dry mouth page does not address excess saliva.

When to see a dentist or doctor

NIDCR says to see your dentist or doctor to find out why. The ADA says to seek a visit if you have persistent dry mouth, and that signs that warrant prompt care include mouth sores, fungal infection, swollen salivary glands or dentures that no longer fit well. Do not stop a medicine yourself. Your prescriber may change the medicine or dose.

Questions to ask your dentist or doctor

Ask what is causing it.

• Could a medicine, condition or habit be causing my dry mouth?
• Which saliva substitute or rinse should I use?
• Do I need extra fluoride or more frequent cleanings?
• What can I do at night?
• Should I be tested for another condition?

Frequently asked questions