Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A dry mouth is often far more than an annoyance—it can unexpectedly impact your daily life. It can make simple things uncomfortable, whether you wake up with a parched mouth, struggle with bad breath, or find it difficult to enjoy your favourite meals.

But what causes it? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Your saliva does more than keep your mouth moist—it plays a vital role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, aiding digestion, and even preventing bad breath. When your saliva production decreases, you’re left with that uncomfortable dryness known as xerostomia.

Dry mouth develops for various reasons.

1. Medicines

A surprising number of common medicines list dry mouth as a side effect.

These include:

• Antihistamines for allergies
• Antidepressants and anxiety medicines
• Blood pressure medicines
• Decongestants and cold medicines
• Pain relievers

This could be the culprit if you’ve noticed an increase in dry mouth after starting a new medicine.

2. Dehydration

Are you not drinking enough water? Your body needs to be adequately hydrated to work correctly, including producing saliva.

Factors like excessive caffeine, alcohol, or sweating from exercise can leave you dehydrated, leading to a dry mouth.

3. Health Conditions

Several medical problems lead to dry mouth development.

• Diabetes – High blood sugar levels can reduce saliva production.
• Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that attacks glands and produces moisture.
• Sleep apnoea – Mouth breathing while sleeping can worsen dryness.

If dry mouth is persistent, it’s worth discussing with your doctor or dentist to rule out underlying health conditions.

4. Smoking and Alcohol Use

Tobacco combined with alcohol creates dry mouth because it harms the salivary glands. If you smoke or drink regularly, you may notice an increase in dry mouth symptoms.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Have you ever noticed your mouth getting dry when you’re nervous? Stress and anxiety can trigger a temporary reduction in saliva production. If you’re dealing with chronic stress, this might be a contributing factor.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth doesn’t just mean your mouth feels dry—it can cause a variety of discomforts, including:

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Frequent thirst
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Sores in the corners of the mouth or cracked lips
• A dry or sore throat
• A burning sensation on the tongue
• Increased tooth decay or gum problems

The absence of saliva leaves teeth and gums in danger due to poor food decontamination and acid control failure in the mouth. Dry mouth, when untreated, leads to several dental problems, including cavities and gum disease, which impacts denture comfort.

How to Manage and Treat Dry Mouth

If you’re struggling with dry mouth, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to manage it.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to keep your mouth moist. Try to limit caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they can make dryness worse.

2. Use Sugar-Free Gum or Lozenges

Sugar-free lozenges and gum chewing help activate saliva production in the mouth. Look for options containing xylitol, which can also help prevent cavities.

3. Adjust Your Diet

Certain foods, such as salty or spicy, can worsen dry mouth. To protect your teeth, opt for moisture-rich foods like fruits and vegetables and avoid excessive sugar.

4. Breathe Through Your Nose

A humidifier might help reduce breathing through your mouth during sleeping hours by bringing moisture into your bedroom atmosphere. If nasal congestion is an issue, treating allergies or sinus problems can help.

5. Use Saliva Substitutes

Over-the-counter saliva substitutes or dry mouth sprays can help relieve discomfort by mimicking natural saliva. These are available at most pharmacies and can be a great short-term solution.

6. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

You need to use fluoride toothpaste for two daily brushings as dry mouth heightens your chances of developing cavities and periodontal disease. You may also benefit from an alcohol-free mouthwash specifically designed for dry mouth.

7. Talk to Your Dentist

Going to a dentist enables proper diagnosis of the source and prescription of treatment measures for dental health protection. Sometimes, prescription medicines that stimulate saliva production may be an option.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Dry Mouth

It’s easy to brush off dry mouth as a minor inconvenience but can lead to serious oral health problems over time. Without enough saliva, bacteria thrive, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

If dry mouth interferes with your comfort or oral health, it’s time to take action. Your dentist will create personalised treatments that work for you after you make basic adjustments to your hydration diet and oral care practices.

Dry Mouth Treatment in Casula

You don’t have to live with dry mouth discomfort. Making minor adjustments and seeking professional advice can keep your mouth fresh, comfortable, and healthy.

If dry mouth bothers you, book an appointment with your Casula dentist today. At Casula Dental Care, we can help pinpoint the cause and provide personalised recommendations to keep your smile in top shape.

Your oral health matters—take the next step towards relief today!

Contact us at (02) 9199 9695 or request an online appointment.

Visit us at Shop 17A Casula Mall, 1 Ingham Drive in Casula.