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Do you often feel dry in your mouth? In this article, we answer all your questions about dry mouth.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is simply the feeling of dryness in the mouth, but it can vary in intensity. It can fluctuate throughout the day and is influenced by what you eat and drink, your level of physical activity or stress, as well as medications you take or underlying health conditions. Some people experience it mainly at night, while others feel it throughout the day. However, the sensation of dryness doesn't always correlate with the actual amount of saliva present. Documented and measured reduced saliva production below certain levels is called hyposalivation, which is a condition where the mouth does not produce enough saliva.
Since saliva is crucial for maintaining moisture in the mouth and protecting its mucous membranes, teeth, and gums from cavities and other diseases, it's important to discuss this with your dentist or dental hygienist. They can help you understand potential causes and provide advice and guidance.
If you experience a constant feeling of dryness in your mouth, soreness, or if you wake up at night feeling very dry, these may be signs of increased dry mouth. You might find yourself frequently needing to take a sip of water to moisten your mouth. Your tongue may feel dry or develop cracks that are painful, and you may have difficulty chewing and swallowing food without drinking fluids.
Dry mouth can have various causes. In addition to what we eat, drink, and our lifestyle, a common cause is the use of medications. Unfortunately, many medications have dry mouth as a known side effect. Older adults are often more susceptible to dry mouth, both due to increased medication use and natural physiological changes. Many women experience dry mouth during menopause. Other causes of dry mouth can include stress and anxiety, which affect the body as a whole. Some underlying health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can also produce similar symptoms. Read more about stress and dental health.
The body produces less saliva at night. Additionally, many people tend to breathe more through their mouths while sleeping, which can dry out the throat and mouth. This is also why one may experience dry mouth when they have a cold; mouth breathing becomes necessary when the nose is congested.
Dry mouth itself is not dangerous, but if it is a persistent problem, it can have consequences for dental health and overall well-being. Saliva helps neutralize, lubricate, and cleanse the oral cavity, thus protecting against disease and injury. A lack of saliva can therefore increase the risk of dental problems such as cavities, acid erosion, and bad breath.
Even though causes of dry mouth, such as aging and medications, may not necessarily be avoidable, there are measures you can take to reduce its occurrence. While drinking plenty of water may not drastically increase saliva production, maintaining good hydration levels in the body is beneficial. A dry mouth requires extra protection—considering both diet and oral hygiene. If you are severely troubled by dry mouth, we recommend contacting your dentist, so you can together explore underlying causes and tailor what your mouth specifically needs for protection.