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What Causes Dry Mouth?

If your mouth feels dry, sticky, or uncomfortable, you might be dealing with dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. While it’s a common issue, it can be caused by a variety of factors, from medications to lifestyle habits. 

Our Point Pleasant dentist explains what causes dry mouth and what you can do to find relief.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Medications, dehydration, and mouth breathing are some of the most common causes of dry mouth. 
  • Tobacco use and stress can also reduce saliva production.
  • At-home treatment options include drinking more water or using special mouth rinses to keep your mouth moist.

What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, happens when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. Saliva plays multiple roles: it washes away food particles, neutralizes acid in the mouth, and helps you chew and swallow comfortably. When saliva levels drop, the mouth starts to feel dry, sticky, or uncomfortable. Some people also notice changes in taste or a burning or rough sensation on the tongue.


What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth develops when something interferes with saliva production or increases how quickly saliva evaporates. A few common causes of this include: 


  1. Medication and Health Conditions

    2. One of the most common causes is medication. Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs list dry mouth as a side effect. Medications for allergies, blood pressure, depression, anxiety, pain, and colds often reduce saliva flow. 

    Certain health conditions also directly affect the salivary glands. Autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, or even just nerve damage are known to interfere with saliva production. 

    It’s important to note that dry mouth becomes more common with age,  mainly because older adults are more likely to take multiple medications and have health conditions that affect saliva production; not because aging alone causes dry mouth. 


  2. Not Drinking Enough Water

    3. Not drinking enough water is another frequent reason. When the body is dehydrated, it prioritizes fluid for vital organs, which can leave less available for saliva. Illness, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can all lead to dehydration and dry mouth. 


  3. Breathing Through the Mouth

    4. Breathing through your mouth, especially while sleeping, also dries out tissues that normally stay moist from saliva. This typically happens with nasal congestion from allergies or colds. 


  4. Tobacco Use

    5. Tobacco use can reduce saliva production, irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, and make dry mouth more noticeable. Smoking and vaping are both linked with increased dry mouth symptoms. 


  5. Stress

  6. Stress and anxiety can change how the nervous system operates, which may lower saliva production during stressful periods.


What Is Dry Mouth a Sign of?

Dry mouth isn’t always a sign of a serious condition. Oftentimes, as mentioned above, it’s linked to medications, dehydration, or breathing through the mouth. In these cases, dry mouth may come and go or improve with simple changes like drinking more water or adjusting medications with guidance from a doctor.

However, if dry mouth is constant or comes with symptoms like sore gums or persistent bad breath, it could indicate a health issue that deserves attention. A dental or medical professional can ultimately help determine whether dry mouth is related to a broader health concern. 


What Deficiency Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth can sometimes be linked to nutrient deficiencies. Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, such as the B vitamins, iron, and zinc, may affect how well your body supports saliva production. 


Can Dry Mouth Cause Bad Breath?

Yes, dry mouth can cause bad breath because saliva helps rinse bacteria from the mouth. When saliva is low, bacteria can build up more quickly and can release odors. In addition to causing bad breath, low saliva increases the risk of cavities and gum disease because there’s less natural protection for the teeth and gums.


Should I See a Dentist for Dry Mouth?

Yes, you should see a dentist if dry mouth happens often, lasts for a long time, or makes eating, speaking, or swallowing uncomfortable. A dentist can check for signs of gum disease or other issues linked to reduced saliva.


How to Get Rid of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth treatment depends on the cause. Of course, drinking water throughout the day is one of the best ways to help keep the mouth moist. Chewing sugar-free or sucking on sugar-free candy can also stimulate saliva flow. Additionally, some people find relief with alcohol-free mouth rinses designed for dry mouth. 

If lifestyle changes don’t help, a dentist can recommend other products or treatments to increase saliva or protect your teeth. 


Next Steps If You Have Dry Mouth

If dry mouth is persistent or affecting your daily life, our experienced team can help identify the cause and suggest ways to manage it. Contact us online or call 732-714-1030 to schedule an appointment and talk through your symptoms with our dental professionals. 

About the Author: Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 714-1030!