It’s normal to occasionally have a dry mouth if you’re dehydrated or feeling nervous. A persistently dry mouth can be a sign of an underlying problem though.
You have a dry mouth and:
The GP can check what the cause might be and recommend treatment for it.
A dry mouth can happen when the salivary glands in your mouth do not produce enough saliva.
This is often the result of dehydration. This means you do not have enough fluid in your body to produce the saliva you need. It’s also common for your mouth to become dry if you’re feeling anxious or nervous.
A dry mouth can sometimes be caused by an underlying problem or medical condition, such as:
If you contact your dentist or GP, tell them about any other symptoms you’re experiencing. Also tell them about any treatments you’re having. This will help them work out why your mouth is dry.
Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. If you have a dry mouth, you may experience some other problems, such as:
It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene if you have a dry mouth. This can reduce the risk of dental problems. You should also see a dentist regularly, so they can identify and treat any problems early on.
If your doctor or dentist is able to find out what’s causing your dry mouth, treating this may help your symptoms.
If medication is suspected as a cause, for example, your doctor may lower your dose or suggest trying a different treatment.
Some of the conditions mentioned have specific treatments, like:
There are things you can do to help relieve your symptoms.
If the measures above don’t help, your dentist, GP or specialist may suggest using an artificial saliva substitute. An artificial saliva substitute will help keep your mouth moist. This may come in the form of a spray, gel or lozenge. Use it as often as you need to, including before and during meals.
If your dry mouth is caused by radiotherapy or Sjögren’s syndrome, a medication called pilocarpine may be prescribed. This is taken as a tablet several times a day. It helps to stimulate your salivary glands to produce more saliva.
Last updated:
13 December 2022