Dry mouth (xerostomia) results from decreased saliva and can stem from common medicines, dehydration, radiation, or autoimmune disease. Saliva protects teeth and oral tissues; without it you face higher risk of decay, gum disease, and infections. Immediate self-care includes sipping water, chewing sugar-free gum (xylitol), avoiding tobacco and alcohol, using alcohol-free rinses, and running a humidifier. Over-the-counter saliva substitutes and topical fluoride help protect teeth. For persistent cases, clinicians may prescribe sialogogues such as pilocarpine or cevimeline or investigate underlying causes. See a dentist or physician if symptoms are ongoing or if you develop mouth sores, fungal infections, or rapid tooth decay.

What xerostomia is and why saliva matters

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, happens when your mouth doesn't make enough saliva. Saliva lubricates speech and swallowing, helps taste food, and protects teeth and gums by buffering acids and supplying minerals that aid remineralization. When saliva is low, the mucous membranes can feel sticky, speech and eating become harder, and the risk of dental decay, gum disease, and oral infections increases.

Common causes

Many factors can reduce saliva production. Medications are the most frequent cause - antihistamines, some blood pressure drugs, many antidepressants, and anticholinergics often reduce saliva. Other causes include dehydration, radiation therapy to the head and neck, autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, uncontrolled diabetes, and habitual mouth breathing.

If you suspect a medical cause, see your physician or dentist. They can review medications and medical conditions and arrange further tests if needed.

Simple self-care steps that help now

  • Stay hydrated. Sip plain water throughout the day and keep a glass of water by your bed at night.
  • Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free lozenges (xylitol-containing products stimulate saliva and are tooth-friendly).
  • Avoid tobacco, reduce alcohol, and cut back on caffeine and acidic or carbonated drinks that can worsen dryness.
  • Use alcohol-free mouthwashes and avoid peroxide rinses that can irritate dry tissues.
  • Run a humidifier at night to add moisture to bedroom air.

Over-the-counter and professional options

  • Over-the-counter saliva substitutes (sprays, gels, or lozenges) and oral moisturizers can provide temporary relief.
  • Your dentist may recommend high-fluoride toothpaste or topical fluoride gels to reduce decay risk.
  • If dry mouth leads to recurrent fungal infections (oral thrush) or rapid decay, seek professional care promptly.

Prescription treatments and when they're used

For persistent, medically significant xerostomia, specialists may consider prescription sialogogues (drugs that stimulate saliva), such as pilocarpine or cevimeline. These require medical evaluation because they can have side effects and are not appropriate for everyone.

Keep monitoring and follow up

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits help catch decay and gum disease early. If lifestyle measures and over-the-counter products don't relieve symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor, dentist, or an ENT specialist to identify underlying causes and tailored treatments.

FAQs about Dry Mouth Remedies

What is the quickest way to relieve dry mouth symptoms?
Sipping water, using an over-the-counter saliva spray or gel, and chewing sugar-free gum (preferably xylitol-containing) provide the fastest temporary relief by moisturizing the mouth and stimulating saliva.
Can my prescription medications cause dry mouth?
Yes. Many common medicines - such as some antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and anticholinergic agents - can reduce saliva. Talk with your prescriber before changing any medication.
When should I see a dentist or doctor about dry mouth?
See a clinician if dry mouth persists, causes difficulty eating or speaking, leads to rapid tooth decay, or if you develop oral pain or white patches (possible fungal infection). They can assess causes and recommend treatments.
Are there prescription treatments for chronic dry mouth?
For certain patients, doctors may prescribe sialogogues (saliva-stimulating drugs) such as pilocarpine or cevimeline. These require medical evaluation due to possible side effects.
Does dry mouth increase dental decay risk?
Yes. Saliva helps neutralize acids and remineralize enamel. Chronic dry mouth raises the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections, so preventive dental care is important.