Dry Mouth: Causes, Relief and Protecting Your Teeth

What does dry mouth feel like?

Dry mouth feels sticky, as if your tongue clings to the roof of your mouth when you talk. Cleveland Clinic calls that sticky feeling the hallmark symptom.

It often comes with other changes that build slowly, so you may not connect them at first:

• Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking
• A burning or itchy feeling in the mouth
• Cracked lips and mouth sores
• A sore throat or hoarse voice
• Feeling thirsty more often
• Bad breath

What is the number one cause of dry mouth?

Medicines are the most common cause. NIDCR says hundreds of medicines can make the salivary glands produce less saliva, including some drugs for blood pressure, depression and bladder control.

Cleveland Clinic adds antihistamines, decongestants and anti-anxiety medicines to that list. The American Dental Association also names pain relievers and diuretics (water pills).

Other causes include health conditions such as diabetes and Sjögren’s disease, radiation or chemotherapy for cancer, nerve damage from a head or neck injury, mouth breathing, dehydration, and alcohol or tobacco use.

Why does dry mouth matter for your teeth?

Saliva is your mouth’s main defense against tooth decay. It washes away food and neutralizes acids, and NIDCR notes it carries calcium and phosphate that help keep teeth strong.

When saliva runs low, teeth lose that protection. NIDCR says dry mouth raises the risk of tooth decay and fungal infections, and Cleveland Clinic adds gum disease and oral thrush to the list.

That is why a dentist is a good partner here, even when the cause is a medicine or a medical condition. Regular checkups help catch cavities early, and our tooth-colored fillings page explains how they are repaired.

How can I get rid of dry mouth fast?

There is no single quick cure, but several simple steps bring relief and help saliva flow. These come from NIDCR, Cleveland Clinic and the American Dental Association:

• Sip water often through the day, and drink water with meals to make chewing and swallowing easier, unless your doctor has limited your fluids.
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy to get saliva flowing. Products with xylitol may also help prevent cavities.
• Suck on ice chips.
• Try a saliva substitute or a rinse made for dry mouth. The ADA suggests choosing one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
• Use lip balm for dry, cracked lips.
• Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and fizzy drinks, which can dry the mouth.
• Go easy on spicy, salty, acidic, dry and sugary foods.
• Take a sip of water before swallowing pills.

Is there a fix for dry mouth at night?

There is no miracle cure, but a few changes can make nights easier. NIDCR and Cleveland Clinic both suggest running a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep.

Nighttime dryness deserves extra care, because Cleveland Clinic notes dry mouth at night is more likely to cause cavities. Brush and clean between your teeth before bed so food and plaque are not left sitting on dry teeth.

If you take a medicine that dries your mouth, Cleveland Clinic suggests asking your doctor whether it can be taken in the morning instead. If you breathe through your mouth while you sleep, mention it to your dentist or doctor, since mouth breathing is a known cause.

When is dry mouth an emergency?

Dry mouth is usually something to bring up with your dentist or doctor soon, not an emergency. But a dry mouth is more prone to infections, and a mouth infection can turn serious.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following:

• Swelling in your face, jaw or neck that makes it hard to breathe or swallow
• Swelling that spreads toward your eye or changes your vision
• A fever of 100.4°F or higher with facial swelling
• Bleeding that will not stop with steady pressure
• A serious injury to the face or jaw

When should you see a dentist about dry mouth?

See a dentist or doctor if your mouth feels dry most of the time. NIDCR stresses that dry mouth is not a normal part of aging, and Cleveland Clinic says persistent dryness is a reason to call a provider.

At a visit, your dentist can check your teeth and gums for early cavities, gum problems and mouth sores, and talk through your medicines and habits. Bring a list of everything you take, including over-the-counter products. If a medical cause seems likely, your dentist may suggest you also see your doctor.

Regular visits matter more when saliva is low. Our cleanings and exams page explains what a checkup covers, and new patients can start on our new patients page.

To talk with our Murrieta team, call (951) 677-1054 or request an appointment.

How can I protect my teeth when my mouth is dry?

Good daily care and regular checkups are the core of protecting your teeth, according to NIDCR. A few habits help most:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth every day.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially sipping on sweet drinks over long stretches.
• Choose sugar-free gum and candy, and look for xylitol.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol, which dry the mouth further.
• Keep up with dental visits so small problems are found early. Gum health matters too, and our gum disease treatment page explains the warning signs.

Questions & answers

Common questions