More Than Just Thirst: Understanding Dry Mouth and Your Oral Health

Written by Melissa Brulotte, L.D                                                                     

September 7, 2025

*Disclaimer: The information and product recommendations on the Northwest Dental Blog are provided for educational purposes only. Neither Northwest Dental or the author receive compensation for any products recommended. This content is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.*

Have you ever woken in the middle of the night with a parched mouth? Does it feel like food or your tongue stick to your lips, insides of your cheeks and teeth? Dry mouth is more than an annoying inconvenience; it poses an oral health challenge to those who face it. Xerostomia, the medical term for dry mouth, is a condition that affects millions of people and can be the consequence of certain medical conditions or medications.

What causes dry mouth?

-Medication

There are hundreds of over the counter and prescription medications that can cause xerostomia as a side effect. A class of drugs called anticholgergenics that treat conditions such as overactive bladder, allergies and asthma contains over 600 medications, all with the potential to cause dry mouth. Other medications that cause dry mouth are those used to treat mental and/or behavioral health conditions, such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and antipsychotics. Additionally, those being treated for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Parkinson’s, diabetes, or those who suffer with chronic pain and/or nausea may be prescribed medication that can cause dry mouth. Medical cannabis is also known to cause it.

Medications will cause xerostomia during treatment and should go away after treatment. However, people being treated for chronic conditions cannot stop their medication and their symptoms must be managed to protect their oral health. Alternatives may be available; talk to your doctor and pharmacist about your medication options.

-Medical Conditions

Conditions such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, Sjogren's, lupus, and Alzheimer’s cause dry mouth. Note that many of the medications used to treat those conditions also can cause it, and the effects can be multiplied. Injuries to the head and neck that cause damage to the facial nerve will also cause xerostomia. Additionally, treatments such as supplemental oxygen and head and neck radiation can also cause xerostomia.

-Lifestyle

Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, mouth breathing, and recreational drug use will contribute to dry mouth symptoms.

-Aging

While aging itself isn’t a direct cause of dry mouth, many older people are taking multiple medications that cause it. Additionally, as we age, our sense of thirst can diminish, which can lead to chronic dehydration; another culprit of dry mouth.

-Dehydration 

This is the most obvious cause of dry mouth. Because of that, many people incorrectly identify dehydration as the cause of their symptoms. While the amount of liquid needed varies by individual, a good starting point is 11.5 cups a day for women and 15.5 cups a day for men. That may seem like a lot of work! But this intake includes all fluids including coffee, milk, soda, etc.

Why do I need saliva?

One of the most important functions of saliva in oral health is washing food and sugar from your teeth! Food and sugar stuck on teeth results in bacteria moving in and, let’s face it, using your mouth as a restroom...causing the enamel on your teeth to weaken, (leading to cavities) calculus to build up around the gumline, and ultimately gum disease, bone and loss and bad breath.

Saliva is also important in fighting the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. It buffers the acids created by the bacterial waste products and contains proteins and enzymes that regulate bacterial growth. It also lubricates our food, allowing us to chew without pain and safely swallow.

Saliva is extremely important for those who wear dentures! Saliva helps with the retention of your denture in many ways. It acts as a seal between your dentures and gum tissue. The quality of the saliva is important too, it should be thin and watery, not thick or foamy. Additionally, saliva lubricates your mouth, reducing friction between your denture and the gum tissue, therefore reducing sore spots and discomfort and keeps food from sticking to your dentures.

I Have a Dry Mouth. Now What?

As mentioned above, fluid intake is the first line of defense against dry mouth. Sipping water or sugar free drinks throughout the day will help keep your mouth consistently moist. It is also important to sip fluid during meals, especially when eating dry foods such as crackers, crusts, bread, etc.  

Chew sugar free gum or suck on sugar free candies. These help to stimulate saliva, and gum provides mild mechanical cleaning of the teeth. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, sucking on sugar free candy is a better option... just as long as you don’t start chewing it up instead of sucking on it!

Saliva substitutes like Biotene can provide relief for dry mouth, as can mouthwashes, gels and mouth sprays formulated for it. Steer clear of mouthwashes that contain alcohol.

Diet can also help fight dry mouth. Avoid salty and spicy foods which irritate and dry the mouth, as well as sticky, sugary foods.

Practice breathing through your nose and avoid mouth breathing, which dries your mouth out. Tongue position exercises can help. Use a humidifier in your room at night when you sleep, especially if you tend to breathe through your mouth.

When in Doubt, Visit Your Provider

Your dentist, denturist or hygienist at Northwest Dental can provide further guidance and recommendations for your unique situation. Additionally, there are prescription drugs available that may alleviate your symptoms. You can also speak to your physician about medications that help stimulate the salivary glands to produce saliva.

Helpful Links:

#1 Dentist Recommended Brand for Dry Mouth | Biotène

Amazon.com : Spry Xylitol Peppermint Mints Sugar Free Candy - Promote Oral Health, Increase Saliva Production, Stop Bad Breath, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, 240 Count (Pack of 2) : Grocery & Gourmet Food

Amazon.com: Oracoat XyliMelts for Dry Mouth Night Time or Day - Moisturizing Dry Mouth Adhering Discs, Sugar Free with Xylitol, 40 Count - Pack of 3, Mild Mint Flavor, 8-Hour Relief : Health & Household

Adhesadent Denture Adhesive | Zinc Free & ADA Accepted – Dr. B Dental Solutions

How to Correct Tongue Posture: A Complete Guide to Proper Positioning – myohab

What Medications Cause Dry Mouth? A Complete List - GoodRx