Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, happens when your mouth does not produce enough saliva.

Saliva is important. It helps you:

• Chew and swallow food.
• Speak comfortably.
• Protect your teeth and gums.

When saliva levels drop, your mouth can feel dry, sticky and uncomfortable.

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What does dry mouth feel like?

Dry mouth can affect people in different ways.

You may notice:

• A dry or sticky feeling in your mouth.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
• Problems speaking clearly.
• A sore or burning mouth.
• Waking up at night with a dry mouth.
• Changes in taste.

Eating certain foods, especially acidic or spicy ones, may become uncomfortable.

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What causes dry mouth?

Dry mouth can have many causes.

Common reasons include:

• Medications – many prescription medicines can reduce saliva, including those for high blood pressure, depression and anxiety.
• Ageing – saliva production can slow down as part of normal ageing.
• Cancer treatment – radiotherapy to the head, neck or mouth can reduce or stop saliva flow.
• Medical conditions – some health conditions affect saliva production.

If you think a medicine is causing dry mouth, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. There may be an alternative with fewer side effects.

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What problems can dry mouth cause?

Saliva helps protect your mouth. Without enough saliva, you may be more likely to have:

• Tooth decay.
• Gum disease.
• Mouth infections.
• Bad breath.
• Sore or cracked lips.
• Poor sleep due to waking with a dry mouth.

Dry mouth can also make eating less enjoyable and affect your quality of life.

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What can I do to help a dry mouth?

There are many ways to manage dry mouth.

Simple steps include:

• Sip water regularly throughout the day.
• Keep a glass of water by your bed at night.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they make symptoms worse.
• Avoid tobacco products.

There are also products designed to help relieve dry mouth, such as:

• Special toothpaste.
• Gels.
• Mouthwashes.
• Sprays.
• Lozenges or pastilles.
• Artificial saliva products.

Your dental team or pharmacist can advise which options may help you.

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Should I avoid certain foods?

Some foods can irritate a dry mouth.

You may find it helpful to:

• Avoid very spicy or acidic foods.
• Limit citrus fruits and juices if they cause soreness.
• Choose softer, moist foods.
• Add sauces or gravies to meals to make swallowing easier.

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When should I seek advice?

Speak to your dental team, doctor or pharmacist if:

• Dry mouth is ongoing or severe.
• It is affecting your eating, sleep or speech.
• You notice an increase in tooth problems or mouth soreness.

They can help identify the cause and suggest treatments to protect your mouth.

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Need support?

Dry mouth can be uncomfortable, but help is available.

With the right advice and products, most people can manage symptoms and protect their oral health.