What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Xerostomia

What is Dry Mouth? (Definition/Background Information)

• The saliva keeps the mouth clean and moist. It helps control infections that may be caused by bacteria or fungi. It removes friction and dryness while chewing, and also helps in food digestion
• When there is no sufficient saliva in the mouth, due to certain underlying conditions or medicines that damage the salivary glands, it results in a condition called Dry Mouth. This condition is medically termed Xerostomia
• Due to this condition, there may be bad breath, speaking, chewing and eating difficulties, inability to taste, and a sense of discomfort. A Dry Mouth can increase the risk for other dental health issues such as gum disease and teeth cavities
• The treatment of Dry Mouth involves treating the underlying conditions, recommending the use of alternate medications (if it is caused by certain drugs), using prescription mouth washes and artificial saliva, etc. With adequate treatment, the prognosis is typically good

Who gets Dry Mouth? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Any individual of any age may be affected by Dry Mouth. The condition is fairly common worldwide with a reported incidence rate of 1 in 10
• The condition is more frequently observed in older adults; changes that occur with aging can make older individuals more vulnerable to Dry Mouth
• For some unknown reason, females are affected more than males
• Racial, ethnic, or geographical predominance is not observed

What are the Risk Factors for Dry Mouth? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Dry Mouth include:

• Dehydration can cause Dry Mouth, when the body is low in fluids, or due to anxiety/stress
• Aging causing dryness in the mouth
• Smoking and chewing tobacco
• Persistent Dry Mouth can be due to side effects of medication that are used to treat a host of conditions including mental and psychotic disorders, allergies, respiratory illnesses, pain, skin conditions (such as acne), high blood pressure, etc.
• Some medical conditions including HIV infection (and AIDS), diabetes, brain stroke (causing reduced oral sensations), Sjögren syndrome (where the salivary glands are affected), anemia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson’s disease
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers may experience the condition more often
• Use of illegal or recreational drugs
• If the salivary glands are removed due to cancer or other conditions
• Cancer therapy to head and neck region using radiation; the use of certain chemotherapy medications
• Injury or trauma causing facial nerve damage
• In some, sleeping with open mouth and/or continuously breathing through the mouth
• Hormonal imbalance
• Eating disorders

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Dry Mouth? (Etiology)

The main cause of Dry Mouth is reduced production of saliva from the salivary glands. This can occur due to numerous factors including:

• Certain medications and illnesses
• Aging
• Treatment for oral or other cancers; surgical removal of the salivary glands
• Facial trauma causing damage to the salivary glands or underlying nerves
• Disorders or conditions that cause an hormonal imbalance in the body

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dry Mouth?            

The signs and symptoms of Dry Mouth can vary from one individual to another. It may include:

• Dryness in the mouth
• Dry throat and tongue, dry lips that crack
• Frequent formation of mouth and throat ulcers
• Decreased taste sensation
• Feeling thirsty more often
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Difficulty in eating, chewing, speaking (hoarseness)
• Eyes and nose feel dry
• Tingling sensation in the mouth
• For individuals who use dentures, it can make it difficult to wear them

How is Dry Mouth Diagnosed?

A Dry Mouth is diagnosed using the following methods:

• A complete physical examination of the mouth and teeth
• Assessment of medical history including the presence of any underlying conditions, medicines one is currently taking, etc.
• Check function of salivary glands and assess flow of saliva (with or without stimulation)
• Imaging studies of mouth (salivary) glands

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Dry Mouth?

Complications due to Dry Mouth may include:

• Increased risk for mouth diseases such as gum disease, dental cavities, and fungal infections (oral thrush)
• Prolonged Dry Mouth can affect food quantity intake and digestion leading to malnutrition
• Decreased quality of life

How is Dry Mouth Treated?

The treatment for Dry Mouth depends on the severity of the condition. The treatment options include:

• Use of suitable prescription oral rinses; use of fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes
• Medications to increase secretion of saliva by the salivary glands or use of artificial saliva substitutes (gels, lozenges, oral sprays)
• Physician may recommend alternatives to current medications, or lower dosages for medication that cause Dry Mouth
• Treating underlying conditions that cause Dry Mouth
• Drinking plenty of water and fluids; sipping on water frequently
• Chewing gum (sugar-free) or taking sweets (sugar-free)
• Use of humidifier (or room vaporizer)
• Nasal decongestants may be prescribed for nasal conditions such as blocked nose
• Decrease or avoid alcohol and coffee intake (including caffeinated drinks)
• In some cases, holding small pieces of ice cubes in the mouth, when possible, may be helpful
• Using lip balms and eye drops to moisten the lips and eyes respectively, if necessary

How can Dry Mouth be Prevented?

Currently, there are no definitive methods available, to prevent Dry Mouth. However, the following measures may be considered:

• Early and adequate treatment of disorders that affect proper functioning of the salivary glands
• If the above is difficult, then artificial methods to stimulate saliva may be undertaken, to reduce risk for mouth sores and infections including tooth decay
• Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, including using recreational drugs

What is the Prognosis of Dry Mouth? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Dry Mouth depends on the underlying cause and whether it can be treated. The prognosis is generally good with suitable treatment.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Dry Mouth:

Please visit our Dental Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/dental-health/