Dry Mouth - Is it Really A Real Problem?
Posted on 10/15/2025 by Dr. Gopin |
 Do you ever wake up with a feeling of cottonmouth, even though you haven't had anything to drink? This sensation, known as dry mouth, might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can actually be a sign of a bigger problem.
As a periodontist, I often see patients who experience dry mouth. It's more than just a temporary annoyance; it can have significant consequences for your oral health and overall well-being.
What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition where your mouth doesn't produce enough saliva. Saliva plays a crucial role in keeping your mouth healthy. It helps to:
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Wash away food particles and bacteria: This helps prevent cavities and gum disease. |
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Neutralize acids: Acids from food and drink can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Saliva helps to neutralize these acids and protect your teeth. |
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Lubricate your mouth: Saliva makes it easier to chew, swallow, and speak comfortably. |
When you don't have enough saliva, your mouth can become dry, sticky, and uncomfortable. This can make it difficult to eat, talk, and even sleep. In severe cases, dry mouth can lead to serious oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
There are many things that can cause dry mouth, including:
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Medications: Many medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications, can list dry mouth as a side effect. |
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Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome, and HIV/AIDS, can also cause dry mouth. |
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Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dry mouth. |
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Lifestyle choices: Smoking, alcohol use, and caffeine can all contribute to dry mouth. |
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Age: Dry mouth is more common in older adults. |
How to Prevent Dry Mouth
There are a few things you can do to prevent dry mouth, including:
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Drink plenty of water: Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day. |
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Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing gum stimulates saliva production. |
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Suck on sugar-free candies: Sucking on candies can also help to increase saliva production. |
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Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you, making dry mouth worse. |
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Quit smoking: Smoking is a major contributor to dry mouth. |
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See your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups can help to identify and treat dry mouth early on. |
What to Do If You Have Dry Mouth
If you are experiencing dry mouth, it's important to see your dentist. They can help to determine the underlying cause and recommend treatment options. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve:
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Changing medications: If your dry mouth is caused by medication, your doctor may be able to switch you to a different medication that doesn't have this side effect. |
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Treating the underlying medical condition: If your dry mouth is caused by a medical condition, treating the condition may help to improve your dry mouth symptoms. |
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Using artificial saliva: Artificial saliva can help to keep your mouth moist and comfortable. |
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Medications: There are medications available that can help to stimulate saliva production. |
Dry mouth can be a real problem, but it's important to remember that it's usually treatable. By working with your dentist, you can find relief and keep your mouth healthy. |
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