Dry mouth and mouth dryness

Dry mouth is common especially in women and the elderly

Saliva naturally protects the mouth and throat by cleansing mucous membranes, preventing microbial attachment, and containing substances that destroy microbes. It protects teeth from decay, lubricates the mouth for chewing and swallowing, and starts digestion with enzymes. Normally, 0.5–1 liter of saliva is produced daily, mostly during meals. Many notice dryness when production drops below half a liter.

Mouth dryness occurs when too little saliva is produced (hyposalivation), causing a dry-mouth feeling (xerostomia). About one in four adults experiences it. It is more common in women and increases with age, often felt most in the mornings due to naturally low nighttime secretion. Untreated dry mouth raises the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and enamel damage.

What causes dry mouth?

Dry mouth is most commonly caused by insufficient saliva secretion or a change in saliva composition. Underlying causes can include medication, lifestyle, breathing habits, diseases, or treatments, and often several factors are present simultaneously.

• Many medications reduce saliva secretion. Dryness can be increased, for example, by allergy and asthma medications, depression and anxiety medications, blood pressure and diuretic medications, opioids, and nasal decongestants. Simultaneous use of several medications intensifies the effect.
• Among diseases, the causes can be diabetes, thyroid dysfunctions, kidney diseases, Parkinson's disease, or rheumatic diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia. Salivary gland diseases impair saliva secretion.
• Treatments and procedures can have a more permanent effect. Radiation and cancer treatments in the head and neck area, as well as surgical procedures in the area, may damage the salivary glands.
• Changes in hormonal balance, such as pregnancy and menopause, increase the feeling of dryness, and the ailment is on average more common in women.
• Lifestyle and breathing habits often affect simultaneously. Alcohol and other substance abuse, excessive coffee or tea consumption, and smoking dry out the mucous membranes. Mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnoea increase dryness, especially at night, when saliva secretion is naturally lower anyway.
• Temporary factors worsen the symptoms. Dehydration, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea dehydrate the body. Common cold and nasal congestion lead to breathing through the mouth. Stress and tension can also cause a temporary feeling of dry mouth.
• Nutritional factors. In some cases, nutritional factors, such as vitamin deficiency, may also be a contributing factor.

Symptoms of dry mouth

Symptoms of dry mouth can range from mild to severe, sometimes significantly affecting daily life. Common signs include a sticky feeling in the mouth, thickened saliva, cracked lips, and a burning tongue. Taste may change, and speaking, swallowing, or chewing can become difficult. Symptoms are often more noticeable at night and in the morning.

Typical symptoms of dry mouth include:

• Sticky, dry feeling in the mouth, especially at night or in the morning
• Thick, foamy, or scanty saliva
• Feeling of thirst, sore throat, and hoarseness
• Stinging or burning sensation in the tongue and oral mucous membranes
• Bad breath and changes in the sense of taste
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking for long periods
• Breathing and sleep disturbances
• Gingivitis, rapid tooth decay, and damage to tooth enamel
• Fungal infections

Treatment of dry mouth

Treatment of dry mouth focuses on regularly moisturizing the mouth, stimulating saliva production, and maintaining thorough oral hygiene. Symptoms often improve with self-care and the use of appropriate products. Seek professional care if symptoms persist or affect daily life.

Treatment of dry mouth at home

Start treating dry mouth with simple methods and try what works for you.

• Taking care of oral health. Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste morning and evening and use interdental cleaning tools.
• Choose gentle products. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes and foaming toothpastes with sodium lauryl sulfate SLS. Strong flavorings can also irritate a sensitive mouth.
• Cleaning and storage of dentures. Wash dentures thoroughly daily. Remove them at night and store in a dry airy box.
• Drinking water and rinsing the mouth. Sip water throughout the day and rinse after meals.
• Chew xylitol chewing gum or suck on sugar-free pastilles after meals. This increases saliva secretion and protects teeth.
• Pharmacy self-care products. Moisturizing oral sprays or gels especially in the evenings and at night can help.
• Cooking oil. A small amount can help moisturize dry oral mucous membranes and lips.
• Humidity and nasal breathing. Keep bedroom air humid and breathe through the nose. For mouth breathers oil-based nasal moisturizers may help. Seek help for snoring or sleep apnea if needed.
• Avoid products that dry the mouth. Alcohol, tobacco and high-caffeine products like coffee can worsen dryness.

Treatment of dry mouth at the practice

At the practice the dentist assesses saliva secretion, checks the mucous membranes and the risk of tooth decay, and creates an individual treatment plan for you. Teeth can be protected effectively with fluoride varnishes or gels and you will receive instructions on suitable pharmacy products such as saliva gels and sprays. If necessary medication will be reviewed and possible underlying causes such as primary diseases or sleep-related breathing disorders will be investigated. The physician will refer you for further examinations if there is a suspicion of for example diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome.

When to seek treatment for dry mouth?

Seek professional assessment if mouth dryness does not improve with home remedies within two weeks or if it affects daily life. A prompt evaluation is needed if tooth decay increases, mucous membranes are sore, or recurrent fungal infections occur.

Seek treatment if:

• Dryness continues for weeks or interferes with eating speaking or sleeping.
• You get oral fungal infections oral inflammations or tenderness of the mucous membranes.
• Cavities appear quickly or gingivitis worsens.
• Difficulty swallowing hoarseness or sore throat is constant.
• You have strong thirst and frequent urination which may indicate diabetes.
• Dry eyes and mouth dryness together joint pain or swelling which may indicate Sjögren's.
• Snoring mouth breathing or suspected sleep apnoea.

Start the assessment at the Digital Clinic and book an appointment with a dentist or general practitioner.

How to prevent mouth dryness?

Daily choices help keep the mouth moist. Drink water steadily throughout the day, use xylitol after meals, and try to breathe through your nose. Avoid tobacco and alcohol and use caffeine in moderation. Stick to your oral hygiene routine and go for dental check-ups regularly. If medication seems to worsen mouth dryness, discuss alternatives with your attending physician.

Dentist's tips for dry mouth

• Keep a water bottle on your nightstand and if necessary a moisturizing saliva gel or spray for nocturnal symptoms. Try different preparations calmly to find what suits you.
• Ask your dentist for an assessment of the need for additional fluoride and personal home care instructions if your tendency for tooth decay has increased.
• If you snore or breathe through your mouth ask for an assessment of possible sleep apnoea. Its treatment often also alleviates dry mouth symptoms.