Dry Mouth Causes and When to Seek Care

Table of Contents

Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS

Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia , occurs when the salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.  Dry mouth can be caused by medications, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions.

Jump to Key Takeaways .

1. Medications

Many medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect. If you are concerned that a medicine you take is causing dry mouth, learn about its side effects or check with your medical provider. An incomplete list includes:

• Antihistamines : Antihistamines are used to treat allergies and allergic reactions. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Antihistamines can also interfere with the production of saliva, leading to dry mouth.
• Decongestants : Decongestants are used to treat nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. They dry up mucus. They may also affect saliva production.
• Pain relievers : Various prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, including Tylenol (acetaminophen) and opioids, can cause dry mouth. They affect saliva production and the body's ability to salivate.
• Diuretics : Diuretics ( water pills ) increase urine production in the kidneys to remove salt and fluid, which helps reduce blood pressure. Bumex (bumetanide) and Lasix (furosemide) are some commonly prescribed diuretics. Both are linked to dry mouth and a reduction of salivary flow.
• Antidepressants : Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are used for treating major depressive disorder , anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and substance use disorders. Dry mouth is often a side effect of these medications because of decreased saliva production.
• Blood pressure medications : Alpha-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers can decrease saliva production. Around 8% to 10% of people who take ACE inhibitors report dry mouth.
• Muscle relaxants : Dry mouth can be a side effect of muscle relaxers, which block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical involved in muscle contractions, secretions, and other body functions. For example, dry mouth is the most commonly reported side effect of tizanidine, which is used to treat spasms associated with multiple sclerosis or central nervous system damage.

Age and Dry Mouth

Around 30% of adults 65 and older and up to 40% of adults over age 80 experience dry mouth. This is not due to aging itself, but rather to older adults being more likely to take medications that dry their mouths or have conditions that can cause dry mouth, such as dehydration, like diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

2. Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle habits, such as diet, substance use, snoring, and mouth breathing, can cause dry mouth:

• Diet : Some foods and beverages can contribute to dry mouth. For example, spicy and salty foods and caffeinated beverages can cause mouth dryness.
• Inadequate hydration : Dehydration is a common cause of dry mouth.
• Substance use : Alcohol consumption and smoking cigarettes or marijuana can lead to dry mouth.
• Snoring and mouth breathing : Snoring can lead to a dry mouth. Breathing with your mouth open may also dry out the mouth.

3. Medical Conditions

Dry mouth can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Conditions where dry mouth is a side effect include:

• Diabetes : High blood sugar levels can lead to dehydration and reduced saliva production.
• Sjögren's syndrome : This autoimmune disease primarily affects the salivary and tear glands, resulting in dry mouth and dry eyes.
• Stroke : A stroke may affect the part of the brain responsible for saliva production.
• Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases : Neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's can affect the nerves that control saliva production.
• HIV/AIDS : This virus has various effects on the salivary glands . The medications used to treat these conditions can also cause dry mouth.
• Thyroid disease : Thyroid conditions may affect saliva production, causing dry mouth.
• Nasal problems : Narrow nasal airways or a deviated septum can increase the risk of sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and subsequent dry mouth.

4. Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatments can affect the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth:

• Chemotherapy drugs can thicken saliva, which can make your mouth drier.
• Radiation treatments may damage the salivary glands, which can affect saliva production and lead to mouth dryness.

5. Nerve Damage

Any injury that damages the nerves that send signals to the salivary glands could lead to decreased saliva production.

6. Salivary Blockages

Blockages or obstructions to the salivary glands may also cause mouth dryness because saliva doesn't flow as easily to the mouth.

7. Vitamin Deficiencies

Some vitamins are vital for maintaining healthy mucous membranes. A vitamin deficiency can contribute to dry mouth or other mouth symptoms . These include:

• B-complex vitamins : Several vitamin B vitamins, including B12, are essential for healthy mucous membranes, and a deficiency could lead to mouth dryness and other oral symptoms.
• Vitamin A : Lack of vitamin A can contribute to dry mucous membranes in the mouth.
• Niacin (vitamin B3): A vitamin B3 deficiency can affect the function of the salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva.

When to See a Healthcare Provider for Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is typically not a serious condition. But it can be uncomfortable and lead to dental problems. It may also be a sign of a serious health condition like diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome.

If you have persistent dry mouth, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or dentist. This is especially important if you experience other symptoms, such as bad breath, thickened saliva, or changes in taste.

How Is the Cause of Dry Mouth Diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of dry mouth, your healthcare provider or dentist will ask about your symptoms. They will also examine your neck and mouth. If needed, they may also request additional testing , such as:

• Blood work
• Imaging of the salivary glands
• A salivary gland biopsy , which takes a sample of cells to be observed under a microscope

Your primary care provider may not always be able to find the underlying cause of dry mouth. They may recommend these dry mouth remedies :

• Stopping medications that cause dry mouth and replacing them with ones that do not cause this side effect
• Improving dental habits: brushing regularly, flossing, and using mouthwash
• Rinsing with cold water, sucking on ice chips, or chewing sugarless gum to increase saliva
• Evaluating your diet and avoiding salty, spicy, and dry foods
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco
• Saliva substitutes, including supplements, gels, aerosols, and gums, which may be available OTC

Key Takeaways

• Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands are unable to produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.
• Dry mouth has various causes, including underlying health conditions, medications, lifestyle habits, and more.
• See a dentist or other healthcare provider if you have persistent dry mouth to have the underlying cause diagnosed and addressed. Your healthcare provider may recommend saliva substitutes or suggest improving your dental habits, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Read the original article on Verywell Health