Signs and Symptoms of Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)...

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Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDSMedically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDSXerostomia (dry mouth) occurs when the mouth doesn't produce enough saliva. Symptoms of dry mouth often start out mild before worsening over time. They may include severely chapped lips, difficulty swallowing, and a loss of taste.Lifestyle factors like smoking tobacco, consuming caffeine, and drinking excess alcohol excessively can increase your risk of dry mouth. Taking certain medications, like antihistamines and blood pressure medications, can also increase your likelihood of developing dry mouth.Dry mouth can usually be treated at home, but prescription treatments may be needed in more severe cases. Your dentist or primary healthcare provider may notice signs of dry mouth and provide tips on how to best treat it. Managing dry mouth is important to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities.Dry, Sticky MouthWhen you don’t have enough saliva to keep the inside of your mouth moist, it can feel dry, sticky, and pasty inside. Your tongue might stick to the roof of your mouth, making it hard to talk and swallow. You might also find yourself drinking more water, chewing gum, or sucking on candy to manage dehydration.Cracked Lips and TongueXerostomia can also lead to cracked or chapped lips and deep grooves on your tongue. The corners of your mouth may have a white, sticky film with tiny bubbles. Dryness around the corners of your mouth can lead to angular chelitis (red, cracked sores at the corners of your mouth).People with dry mouth are more likely to get oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth. Thrush can cause a white film to form on the surface of your tongue, redness, and soreness inside your mouth.Pale Mucous MembranesWhen your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, the mucous membranes (the moist tissues inside your mouth) get dry. This can cause the inside of your mouth to look pale or white and less shiny. These signs may indicate dehydration (not getting enough fluids) or dry mouth. Hoarseness and Sore ThroatA dry mouth can also cause discomfort in your throat, leading to hoarseness when speaking. This comes from irritation and swelling in your throat that affects your vocal cords.Allergies and infections can also cause similar symptoms. Consult your dentist or primary healthcare provider if you are unsure if your dry mouth is a symptom of allergies or an infection.Difficulty EatingHaving enough saliva is important for breaking down your food. Without enough saliva, you may experience difficulty chewing and swallowing. For people who wear dentures, dry mouth can cause discomfort if your dentures are not fitted properly or rub against your gums.Mouth Sores Without enough saliva to protect your mouth, your risk of developing mouth ulcers (sores) increases. Mouth sores can appear on the skin inside your mouth, your gums, or your tongue. They are painful patches that can greatly range in size. In addition to causing mouth ulcers, dry mouth can make it more difficult for them to heal. This can make them last longer, even with treatment.Burning SensationIf you have a dry mouth, you may feel a burning sensation inside your mouth, especially after eating. Saliva moisturizes the inside of your mouth and protects it from potential bacteria or toxins that may have otherwise caused irritation.The less saliva you have, the more irritation you may experience on your tongue or the roof of your mouth. This discomfort can make eating, drinking, and speaking more challenging. Altered Taste Saliva helps distribute flavors across your tongue. With less saliva, your sense of taste can change. Foods might seem bland, or you may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth. These changes can make eating less enjoyable and affect your appetite.Bad BreathPart of good oral hygiene is preventing bacteria from building up inside your mouth. Saliva helps to keep your mouth clean by washing away food particles and bacteria that cause odor. Lower saliva levels allow these particles to linger in your mouth, leading to bad breath.Brushing alone may not be enough to get rid of the odor. You can manage bad breath by using alcohol-free mouthwash, brushing twice daily, and flossing.Drinking plenty of water and using saliva stimulants can also help reduce bad breath and improve oral freshness. Researchers recommend drinking at least 8-12 cups of water a day.Teeth and Gum ProblemsSaliva rinses away food particles and prevents acids from mixing with bacteria. It also keeps gums and teeth moist, which prevents irritation and swelling. When you have a dry mouth, food and bacteria stay on teeth and gums longer, causing a buildup of plaque on your teeth.Plaque buildup can lead to cavities and gingivitis (gum disease) A common symptom of gingivitis is red, swollen, and sensitive gums, especially after brushing and flossing. You may also notice your gums receding and revealing more of your tooth at its root.Receding gums can increase tooth sensitivity. In some severe instances, dry mouth can cause enamel erosion—small cracks in your tooth that can break it down completely if left untreated.Dry Eyes, Facial Skin, and NoseDry eyes and dry mouth often occur together, especially in conditions like Sjogren's syndrome (SS), where the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands. You may feel like you have something in your eyes or notice redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Many people with dry mouth also experience dryness in the face and inside the nose, causing facial tightness, flakiness, and occasional nosebleeds.Is Dry Mouth Contagious?Dry mouth isn't contagious, so you can't catch or spread it to others. It usually results as a side effect of medications, medical conditions, and dehydration. However, some symptoms of dry mouth, like a sore throat, could be a symptom of a contagious infection like the flu, a cold, or mononucleosis (mono). To avoid spreading an illness, avoid sharing toothbrushes or other utensils that contact your mouth.When to Contact a Healthcare Provider Contact your primary care provider or dentist if you have dry mouth, bad breath, or other symptoms that make it difficult to chew and swallow food. Other specialists who can help treat dry mouth include periodontists (a doctor specializing in gum disease) and ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENT).For treatment, a dentist or periodontist may suggest an alcohol-free mouthwash specifically for dry mouth. They may also recommend flossing, using toothpaste with fluoride, and chewing sugar-free gum to reduce the chances of plaque build-up. Common prescriptions include Salagen (pilocarpine) and Evoxac (cevimeline) to stimulate your salivary glands.Your healthcare provider may recommend increasing your water intake to treat dehydration. Lifestyle changes that can increase your daily hydration include limiting your alcohol intake, drinking less caffeine, and using a humidifier while you sleep.If you experience severe symptoms like trouble breathing or swallowing, chest pain, or a high fever with dry mouth, seek emergency care immediately.
Questions To Ask Your ProviderDuring a visit to the healthcare provider, consider asking the following questions to better understand the cause of your dry mouth and treatment options.Could my medications or health condition contribute to dry mouth?What are the best ways to manage dry mouth symptoms? Are there lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help?Do you recommend medications or rinses to help with dry mouth symptoms?
A Quick Review A dry mouth occurs when you have trouble producing enough saliva to lubricate the inside of your mouth properly. Many factors can cause dry mouth, including taking certain medications, having an infection, or being dehydrated. This can make chewing, swallowing, and, in some cases, speaking more difficult.You may also feel constantly thirsty and soreness in your throat. See a dentist, periodontist, or ENT to discuss how to best treat your dry mouth symptoms.Frequently Asked Questions

What causes dry mouth symptoms?

Dry mouth symptoms can result from certain medications (antihistamines, blood pressure medications), medical conditions like diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome, cancer treatment, a compromised immune system, and dehydration. Smoking, alcohol, or mouth breathing can also worsen symptoms.

What drinks can improve symptoms of dry mouth?

Water and herbal teas are good options. Avoid caffeine or alcohol as they can worsen dry mouth. This includes avoiding alcohol in mouthwashes.

Why is my mouth dry even though I drink a lot of water?

Even if you drink lots of water, your mouth might feel dry because of medications or health conditions like diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome. Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, smoking, or mouth breathing can also worsen dry mouth.

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