Dry Mouth
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Dry mouth
, or xerostomia, is a lack of saliva (spit). Saliva helps protect your teeth from decay and your mouth from bacterial infection. Saliva also helps you chew, swallow, and digest food. Dry mouth happens when your saliva glands are not working properly. This causes a decrease in the amount of saliva your mouth produces.
Other common signs and symptoms:
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Thick or stringy saliva
- Scratchy, burning, or tingling feeling on your tongue
- Chapped, cracked lips or corners of your mouth
- Trouble talking, chewing, or swallowing
- Thirst or bad breath
- Hoarse voice or dry throat
- Sores on your mouth or tongue
- Change in taste
Seek care immediately if:
- You have trouble swallowing.
- Your mouth, face, or neck are swollen.
- You have trouble opening your mouth.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have tooth pain.
- Your gums are irritated, painful, or bleed.
- Your symptoms do not get better, or they get worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may include medicines to increase your saliva production. You may also need saliva substitutes to help keep your mouth moist. Your healthcare provider may change your medicine if it is causing your dry mouth.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage your symptoms:
- Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink more water than usual. It may help to sip small amounts throughout the day. This will help keep your mouth moist. Do not drink caffeine or alcohol. Do not drink acidic juices such as tomato, orange, or grapefruit.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free candy. This will help increase saliva production.
- Rinse your mouth 4 times each day. Rinse after every meal. Use a mixture of salt and baking soda. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water. Swish in your mouth and spit out.
- Brush at least twice each day and floss your teeth. Use over-the-counter mouthrinses for dry mouth. Do not use mouthrinses that have alcohol.
- Use a cool mist humidifier. A humidifier will increase air moisture in your home. This may help moisten your mouth, especially at night.
- Do not smoke. Tobacco products can dry out your mouth. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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