Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) happens when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. It can be uncomfortable and sometimes signal an underlying issue.
Common Causes
1) Medications (most common)
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
Blood pressure meds
Decongestants
Pain medications
2) Dehydration
Not drinking enough water
Excessive sweating
Fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
3) Medical conditions
Diabetes mellitus
Sjögren's syndrome
Anxiety or stress
Nerve damage
4) Lifestyle factors
Smoking or vaping
Alcohol use
Mouth breathing
Caffeine
Symptoms
Sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
Thick saliva
Bad breath
Cracked lips
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
Increased cavities
What You Can Do
💧 Simple remedies
Sip water frequently
Chew sugar-free gum (stimulates saliva)
Use alcohol-free mouthwash
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
Use a humidifier at night
🦷 Oral care
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily
Consider saliva substitutes (available over the counter)
