Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Causes of Dry Mouth

Dental Practice Management Articles

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Dry Mouth
(Xerostomia)

Causes of Dry Mouth:

  • Certain prescription drugs
  • Certain over-the-counter medications
  • Tobacco
  • Mouth breathing
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Spicy or salty foods
  • Breathing unusually dry, cold,dusty, or dirty air
  • Stress
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Simply not drinking enough water
  • Radiation and chemotherapy
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Menopause
  • Sjogren's Syndrome
  • Lupus
  • Parkinson’s disease

What drugs and medications can cause dry mouth? 

  • High blood pressure medicines
  • Antidepressants
  • Tranquilizers
  • Antihistamines
  • Anti-Parkinson agents
  • Antipsychotics
  • Decongestants
  • Narcotic pain relievers
  • Chemotherapy
  • Antidiarrheals
  • Bronchodilators

What problems might develop because of dry mouth? 

  • Rapid development of tooth decay
  • Sore tissues
  • Worsening periodontal disease
  • Sore spots and ulcers under dentures
  • Difficulty wearing dentures
  • Mouth sores in non-denture wearers
  • Breath doesn’t feel as fresh
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing  normal foods
  • Difficulty tasting normal foods
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Burning sensation in the mouth
  • Dry or painful tongue

How can I avoid destruction from rapid tooth decay?

  • Avoid hidden sugars, such as cough drops, lemon drops, hard candy, breath mints, chewing gum, soda pop, etc.  People with dry mouths can get literally dozens of cavities in a matter of a few months.
  • Use a prescription fluoride preparation.  These get more fluoride to the teeth than regular fluoride toothpaste.  They are available as a mouthrinse, brush-on gel, or a gel applied in a custom-made mouth tray.  Ask your dentist for prescriptions, or construction of a custom fluoride tray.  Prevident and Gel-Kam are examples.
  • Maintain superior oral hygiene habits:  brush at least twice a day for two minutes per brushing, floss every day, and have your teeth cleaned/checked twice a year.

What will help relieve my dry mouth?

  • Increase water intake throughout the day, and take frequent small sips
  • Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.
  • Protect lips with a balm.
  • In cold weather keep mouth and nose covered with a scarf when outdoors.
  • Don’t use tobacco or alcohol.
  • Avoid strong toothpastes.
  • Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol.
  • Use only toothpastes and mouthwashes that don’t contain sodium laurel sulfate.
  • Avoid spicy and salty foods, and products containing cinnamon, peppermint, or wintergreen.
  • Take a daily multi-vitamin.
  • Use oral products that contains Xylitol.
  • Be sure your doctors and pharmacist are aware of all the medications you are taking.
  • Ask your doctor if your medications can be adjusted or changed.
  • Use a saliva substitute or mouth moisturizers.
  • Use sugarless hard candies to stimulate saliva flow.

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