Dry Mouth

On this page

  1. Overview
  2. Causes
  3. Symptoms
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Treatment
  6. Helpful Tips
  7. Additional Resources
  8. Related Publications
Back to top

Overview

Saliva, or spit, is made by the salivary glands and is very important for a healthy mouth. It moistens and breaks down food, washes away food particles from the teeth and gums, and helps people with swallowing. In addition, saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate that help keep teeth strong and fight tooth decay.

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia (ZEER-oh-STOH-mee-ah), is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Dry mouth can happen to anyone occasionally—for example, when nervous or stressed. However, when dry mouth persists, it can make chewing, swallowing, and even talking difficult. Dry mouth also increases the risk for tooth decay or fungal infections in the mouth because saliva helps keep harmful germs in check.

Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. If you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or doctor to find out why your mouth is dry.

Back to top

Causes

There are several possible causes of dry mouth:

  • Side effects of some medicines. Hundreds of medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. For example, medicines for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder-control issues often cause dry mouth.
  • Disease. Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes can all cause dry mouth.
  • Radiation therapy. The salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
  • Chemotherapy. Drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, causing the mouth to feel dry.
  • Nerve damage. Injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.
Back to top

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry mouth include:

  • A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth.
  • Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking.
  • A burning feeling in the mouth.
  • A dry feeling in the throat.
  • Cracked lips.
  • A dry, rough tongue.
  • Mouth sores.
  • An infection in the mouth.
  • Bad breath.
Back to top

Diagnosis

Your doctor or dentist will review your medical history and ask about any medications you take. He or she may also suggest blood tests or a test that measures how much saliva you produce.

Back to top

Treatment

Depending on the cause of your dry mouth, your health care provider can recommend appropriate treatment. For example, if medication is causing dry mouth, the doctor or dentist may advise changing medications or adjusting the dosages, or may prescribe a saliva substitute.

There are also self-care steps you can take to help ease dry mouth, such as drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. Good oral care at home and regular dental check-ups will help keep your mouth healthy.

Back to top

Helpful Tips

You can relieve dry mouth symptoms by:

  • Sipping water or sugarless drinks often.
  • Sipping water or a sugarless drink during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
  • Avoiding drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
  • Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices. Some sugarless chewing gums and candies contain xylitol and may help prevent cavities.
  • Avoiding spicy or salty foods, which may cause pain in a dry mouth.
  • Avoiding tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth. If you are a current smoker, consider quitting.
  • Using a humidifier at night.
Back to top

Additional Resources

  • NIH MedlinePlus Magazine – Summer 2020
    TV personality Carrie Ann Inaba talks about her experience with Sjögren's syndrome; NIDCR shares the latest research on Sjögren’s and answers questions about dry mouth, a common symptom.
  • MedlinePlus: Dry Mouth
    The NIH National Library of Medicine's collection of links to government, professional and non-profit/voluntary organizations with information on dry mouth.
  • Dry Mouth? Don’t Delay Treatment
    The U.S Food and Drug Administration provides information on dry mouth and offers advice for consumers on how to relieve its symptoms.
  • Sjögren’s Foundation
    The Sjögren’s Foundation educates patients and their families about Sjögren’s, increases public and professional awareness of the condition, and encourages research into new treatments and a cure.
  • Quit Smoking from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Back to top
Back to top

Dry Mouth Research from the NIDCR

Last Reviewed
September 2022