A dry mouth can feel like a small annoyance. A sticky tongue, cracked lips or trouble swallowing are easy to brush off. Yet saliva does a lot of quiet work to protect your teeth. When there is not enough of it, tooth decay can follow quickly.
This article explains what dry mouth is and why it happens. It covers how it affects your teeth and simple self care steps. It also explains when to see a dentist or doctor. The information draws on Queensland Health guidance.
What dry mouth is
Dry mouth is also known by its medical name, xerostomia. It happens when saliva flow drops or the body changes how much saliva it makes. It can range from mild to severe. It often develops gradually, so people may not notice it at first.
Dry mouth often has a cause that can be found, such as a medicine or a health issue. Finding the cause is the first step to managing it. A doctor or dental practitioner can help with that.
Why saliva matters for your teeth
Queensland Health describes saliva as the body’s natural defence against tooth decay. It does several jobs at once. It rinses away food debris from around the teeth. It also neutralises acids from plaque, food and drinks.
Saliva carries minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate. These help strengthen tooth enamel. Saliva also protects the soft tissues of the mouth. It helps prevent fungal infections such as oral thrush.
Without enough saliva, the Queensland Health page on dry mouth warns that teeth are at risk of extensive decay. Oral health can go downhill quickly. Decay is already one of the most common dental problems people face. Dry mouth can speed it up.
Signs and symptoms to watch for
Dry mouth shows up in different ways for different people. Some signs are obvious, while others are easy to mistake for something else. Common symptoms include the following.
- A dry, tingling or burning tongue or mouth
- Thirst and a sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Thick, stringy saliva
- Dry, cracked lips or sores at the corners of the mouth
- Bad breath and hoarseness
- Dry nasal passages
- Oral thrush
If several of these sound familiar, it is worth getting checked. Bad breath and sore gums can have many causes. A dental practitioner can tell you what is going on. Early advice can help protect your teeth.
Common causes of dry mouth
Medicines are a common cause. Queensland Health lists antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medicines, painkillers and diuretics. Do not stop a medicine on your own, but do raise the issue with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some medical conditions can also cause dry mouth. These include Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can affect saliva too. Radiation to the head and neck is a particular cause.
Age plays a part as well. Saliva flow can decrease as people get older. This is one reason dental care matters more in later life, including options such as dental implants for over 60s when teeth are lost.
Everyday habits can add to the problem. Smoking, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, snoring and breathing through the mouth all contribute. Stress, depression and dehydration can play a part too. Dehydration may come from fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, sport or simply not drinking enough fluid.
Self care steps that can help
Small changes can make a real difference. Queensland Health notes that cutting back on caffeine and drinking more water may be enough for some people. Take frequent small sips of water through the day. A small atomiser can be used to spray water into the mouth.
Chewing gum that contains no sugar can help increase saliva flow. Saliva substitutes are available from most pharmacies. A lip balm helps with dry, cracked lips. Gravies and sauces can make food softer and easier to chew and swallow.
Your daily dental routine matters even more with a dry mouth. Use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste that is low in abrasion and low in foam. Floss regularly to clean between the teeth. Good daily care also helps keep gum problems such as gingivitis in check.
Things to avoid
It can be tempting to suck on lollies or sip soft drinks for relief. Queensland Health warns against this. Sugary sweets and drinks can cause very rapid tooth decay when saliva is low. Water is a much safer choice.
Smoking and excess alcohol both make dry mouth worse. Caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee and some soft drinks can also dry the mouth. Mouth rinses that contain alcohol or peroxide are best avoided. Check the label before buying a mouthwash.
When to see a dentist or doctor
Because dry mouth can harm oral health quickly, it is worth seeing a dental practitioner for advice. A doctor or dentist can look for the underlying cause and treat it where possible. This may mean reviewing medicines with your doctor. It may also mean checking for a health condition.
A dental practitioner may suggest products with more fluoride than everyday toothpaste. These include mouthwashes, gels or toothpaste. They help protect teeth against decay and erosion. Regular checkups let your dentist spot early changes before they become bigger problems.
Dry mouth is also worth mentioning at any general health appointment. Some of the conditions linked with it affect other parts of the body. Eye checks are a good example of routine care that matters more with age, such as knowing when you need cataract surgery. Looking after your mouth is part of the same picture.
Frequently asked questions
Is dry mouth a normal part of getting older?
Saliva flow can decrease with age. However, dry mouth often has another cause, such as a medicine. It is not something you just have to put up with. A dentist or doctor can help find the cause.
Can dry mouth cause tooth decay?
Yes, it can. Saliva helps neutralise acids and rinse away food. Without enough of it, teeth are at risk of extensive decay. Good daily care and regular checkups help protect them.
What can I drink to help a dry mouth?
Water is the best choice. Frequent small sips through the day can help. Cutting back on caffeinated drinks and alcohol may also ease symptoms. Avoid sugary drinks, as they can cause rapid decay.
Should I stop a medicine that is drying my mouth?
No, do not stop any medicine on your own. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist first. They may be able to adjust the dose or suggest another option. Your dentist can help protect your teeth in the meantime.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please speak with your doctor, dentist or a qualified health professional about your own situation.
