What is dry mouth syndrome?

Dry mouth syndrome happens when your body stops making enough saliva. It is also called xerostomia.

Saliva is made by salivary glands found in your mouth and throat. Usually, there is a steady flow of saliva keeping your mouth moist all the time. Thinking about and looking at food as well as chewing and swallowing food normally increases the flow of saliva in your mouth.

Saliva is important to:

• keep your mouth and throat moist
• lubricate your mouth to assist with speech
• help with swallowing and digestion
• protect your teeth from decay

Dry mouth syndrome often develops gradually. It can range from mild to severe.

About 1 in 3 adults report having a dry mouth at some point in their lives. You may find that it affects your health, teeth, gums and even your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of dry mouth syndrome?

Dry mouth syndrome causes you to have a dry mouth. It can also cause problems such as:

• a rough or dry tongue, which may stick to the roof of your mouth or lips
• dry and cracked lips that stick to your gums
• mouth ulcers, bleeding gums or oral thrush infections
• bad breath
• difficulties with speaking, eating, chewing or swallowing your food
• tooth decay
• saliva that feels thick or stringy

What causes dry mouth syndrome?

Dry mouth syndrome may develop without a clear cause, because of certain medical conditions or because of the medicines you take.

Risk factors for developing dry mouth syndrome include:

• dehydration
• older age
• anxiety or stress
• snoring
• drinking a lot of alcohol or soft drinks
• chewing tobacco
• methamphetamine or marijuana use

Medical problems that may cause your salivary glands to stop producing enough saliva include:

• conditions such as diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma
• nerve damage to your head or neck
• anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• infections such as oral thrush and hepatitis C

Dry mouth syndrome can also be a side effect of medicines including:

• chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• antidepressants
• antihistamines
• decongestants
• blood pressure medicines
• painkillers or opioids
• diuretics

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you feel that your mouth is dry and it bothers you, or you notice other symptoms of dry mouth syndrome that reduce your quality of life. Your doctor may refer you to a dentist if they notice complications of dry mouth syndrome.

How is dry mouth syndrome diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose you with dry mouth syndrome by asking about your symptoms, lifestyle and medicines. They will also examine your mouth and teeth. They may refer you for medical tests to identify any medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

How is dry mouth syndrome treated?

The best way to treat dry mouth syndrome is to treat the cause. Other symptoms and complications of the condition may also need to be treated, including oral thrush, mouth ulcers or dental problems.

If a medicine is causing your dry mouth, do not make any changes to your doses without first talking with your doctor. Your doctor may suggest stopping or swapping your medicine.

Your doctor may prescribe you a medicine to stimulate the salivary glands to produce saliva.

Other ways you can reduce any discomfort caused by dry mouth syndrome include:

• ensuring you are well hydrated (but avoiding sugary drinks, fruit juice or cordial)
• chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva
• avoiding smoking cigarettes
• avoiding foods that irritate your mouth, such as citrus foods, spicy foods, foods with sharp edges like crackers or chips, or alcohol
• trying to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth
• keeping the air in your bedroom moist with a humidifier
• using moisturiser on your lips

You can help protect your teeth from tooth decay or gum disease by:

• keeping up good oral hygiene, using a soft toothbrush and flossing
• using a toothpaste and mouthwash with higher levels of fluoride
• avoiding toothpastes that cause a burning sensation in your mouth
• using artificial saliva
• avoiding sugary or acidic foods

If you wear dentures, make sure you take them out every night and keep them clean.

Complications of dry mouth syndrome

Dry mouth syndrome greatly increases your chance of developing tooth decay or gum disease. If you have dry mouth syndrome, it is very important to see your dentist regularly, so any complications are found early.

Resources and support

• For more information on dry mouth visit the Australian Dental Association — the peak body for dentists in Australia.
• Learn more about protecting your teeth with good dental care and teeth cleaning.
• Check if you are eligible for public dental care.
• Find a dentist near you on the Australian Dental Association website.