Our most important defense against bacteria and fungi in the mouth is the secretion of saliva. When the body does not produce enough saliva, dry mouth occurs. Known in medicine as xerostomia, this condition can be a sign of many diseases or may itself be an independent problem.
In this carefully prepared article, we will look for answers to basic questions such as “What is dry mouth?” and “Why does dry mouth occur?” In later sections, we will discuss the relationship of dry mouth with other diseases, its symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is a condition that arises when the volume of saliva in the mouth decreases. In medical literature, it is called xerostomia. It makes eating and digesting food difficult. If left untreated and progressively worsening, it can lead to anxiety, oral disorders, digestive problems, and other health issues.
Why Does Dry Mouth Occur?
Simply feeling thirsty because of low water intake is not the same as dry mouth. For the disease of dry mouth to develop, saliva secretion must be reduced or absent. When we examine the causes of dry mouth, we find dozens of different factors. The cause may be medications that induce dry mouth, or psychological or other physiological diseases.
Common Pathological Causes of Dry Mouth Include:
- Diabetes: Dry mouth is closely related to diabetes.
- Salivary Gland Disorders: Diseases such as tumors in the salivary glands can cause dry mouth.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Abnormal function of the salivary glands due to altered endocrine regulation is common in this disease. Individuals with Hashimoto’s often complain of dry mouth in the mornings.
- Infection: Acute or chronic infections frequently lead to dry mouth.
- Medications: Dry mouth can be a side effect of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Medications used to treat hypertension, Parkinson’s, allergies, depression, anxiety, and so on often list dry mouth among their common side effects.
Common Non-Pathological Causes of Dry Mouth Include:
- Dehydration: Lack of salt and water leads to dryness in many parts of the body, including the mouth. Dehydration reduces saliva production just as it reduces urine output.
- Mouth Breathing: Breathing through the mouth dries it out. This is often due to nasal congestion, asthma, or personal habit.
- High Carbohydrate Intake: Excess consumption of starchy foods, flour, or sugar decreases oral moisture.
- Aging: Dry mouth is a common physiological change in older adults.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can reduce mouth moisture, making dry mouth common.
- Psychological Factors: Stress and tension can cause dry mouth. If dry mouth and palpitations occur together without a physiological cause, psychological factors may be considered.
Causes of Nighttime Dry Mouth
Nighttime dry mouth is common in those over age 65. With aging, saliva production can decrease by up to 40%, explaining dry mouth at night in older adults. However, some younger adults may also experience it. In these cases, aging is not the factor. Causes of nighttime dry mouth in younger or middle-aged adults include:
- Nasal Congestion: When unable to breathe through the nose, people breathe through the mouth. Keeping the mouth open overnight accelerates dryness.
- Snoring: Mouth-open snoring also contributes to dry mouth.
These factors add to the general causes mentioned above and can lead to dry mouth at night.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?
People experiencing dry mouth may have some or all of the following symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Frequent thirst
- Difficulty speaking or chewing
- Changes in taste perception
- Cracked lips
- Hoarseness
- Pale gums
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Bad breath
- Mouth ulcers
- Difficulty fitting dental prostheses
- Fungal infections
- Tooth decay
What Helps Relieve Dry Mouth?
What relieves dry mouth depends directly on its underlying cause. Therefore, the following suggestions may vary from person to person. By considering these recommendations, you can help reduce dry mouth:
- Consume low-sugar foods
- Eat high-fiber foods
- Use healthy fats in your diet
- Drink plenty of water
How Is Dry Mouth Treated?
Treatment for dry mouth varies according to the underlying cause. Common approaches to treating dry mouth include:
- Medication Adjustment: If a medication is causing dry mouth, your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe an alternative without this side effect.
- Oral Moisturization: Keeping the mouth moist can increase saliva production. If your doctor has not prescribed artificial saliva, you can rinse your mouth with water at home frequently.
- Protecting the Teeth: Dry mouth is a major factor in dental diseases. After a thorough examination, your dentist will decide on the appropriate treatment. For example, if there is a gum problem, laser dentistry may resolve it painlessly.
- Combating Cavities: Did you know dry mouth can lead to tooth decay? If you feel dryness followed by tooth pain or sensitivity, see your dentist promptly. Your dentist may recommend dental implant treatment to solve the problem permanently.
- Addressing Physiological Causes: If dry mouth stems from a physiological disease such as diabetes, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s prescribed treatments regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Mouth
In this section, we answer common questions related to dry mouth.
What diseases can dry mouth indicate?
Dry mouth can be a standalone condition or a sign of other diseases. It is often seen with:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Arthritis
- Infections
- Insulin resistance
However, dry mouth is not always a sign of disease. For example, dry mouth during pregnancy is not considered a disease in itself.
Which foods help relieve dry mouth?
Certain foods stimulate saliva glands, increasing saliva secretion. Key foods that help relieve dry mouth include:
- Apple: Its mild acidity and high water content quickly stimulate saliva glands.
- Carrot: One lesser-known benefit of carrots is stimulating saliva production.
- Ginger: Among spices, ginger is a potent ally against dry mouth.
- Celery: Although not favored by everyone for taste, celery has been shown to help relieve dry mouth.
- Citrus Fruits: Consuming lemon, orange, and other citrus fruits increases saliva flow.
Does tea cause dry mouth?
Tea contains caffeine; high intake may contribute to dry mouth.
How does dry mouth go away?
If your dry mouth is disease-related, use prescribed medications regularly and drink plenty of water. If it is not physiological in origin, increase water intake and eat foods that stimulate saliva glands.
Does diabetes cause dry mouth?
Constant thirst and dry mouth are among the main symptoms of diabetes. Almost all diabetic patients experience dry mouth.
Does high blood pressure medication cause dry mouth?
Antihypertensive drugs used to lower high blood pressure often list dry mouth as a side effect.
What helps nighttime dry mouth?
Keeping the environment humid and drinking water before bed are simple but effective measures to prevent nighttime dry mouth.
Can drinking too much water cause dry mouth?
As with everything, there is a limit to water intake. Consistently exceeding that limit can paradoxically contribute to dry mouth.
Does dry mouth cause toothache?
Dry mouth itself does not directly cause toothache. However, dental diseases resulting from dry mouth can lead to tooth pain.
What should you do to relieve dry mouth?
Since treatment depends on the root cause, a proper examination by a healthcare professional is essential. For example, morning dry mouth may require different treatment than dry mouth caused by diabetes. If you suffer from dry mouth problems, schedule an appointment with our clinics to restore your health as soon as possible.
