Dry mouth? Discover what causes it and how to get rid of it

Many people know that feeling like you have no saliva in your mouth is uncomfortable, but did you know that a very dry mouth can also impact your teeth?

In this article, we’ll explore the signs of a dry mouth, the causes, and effects on the teeth, as well as natural relief and treatment options.

But first, what’s the meaning of xerostomia?

Xerostomia, commonly known as “dry mouth”, refers to when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. In other words, suffering xerostomia means your mouth feels dry and uncomfortable. Some people may experience xerostomia occasionally, while others may experience it chronically.

What are the symptoms of a dry mouth?

Recognising the symptoms of dry mouth is essential for understanding its effects and seeking appropriate treatment. The symptoms can range from mild to severe which may affect one's overall well-being. Some of the signs of a dry mouth include:

• Dry lips
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
  
• Bad breath (halitosis)
  
• A burning sensation in your mouth.
  

It is important to understand the symptoms of xerostomia so that you can seek treatment before it affects your teeth.

What causes a dry mouth?

There can be several reasons for having a dry mouth. Here we’ll explore some of the potential contributing factors.

Common causes of a dry mouth (xerostomia), include dehydration, certain medications, and health conditions like diabetes. Nerve damage and radiation therapy are also significant reasons for dry mouth. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as smoking or regular consumption of alcohol can be what causes dry mouth.

Identifying what causes xerostomia in each case is important as it can help you find the most appropriate treatment.

How does a dry mouth affect teeth?

A dry mouth is more than just an uncomfortable feeling; it can significantly impact your dental health. Many people wonder, "Can a dry mouth cause teeth problems?" The answer is yes. A dry mouth can have negative effects on both the teeth and oral health.

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health as it helps neutralise acids and wash away food particles. So, how does a dry mouth affect the teeth? Read on to discover just some of the effects of a dry mouth on teeth and oral health.

Cavities and tooth decay from a dry mouth

Cavities and tooth decay can result from having a dry mouth.

Saliva helps to neutralise acids produced by bacteria but can also wash away food particles that can cause dental plaque buildup. Without enough saliva in the mouth, these acids and food particles linger, leading to an increased risk of cavities.

Increased exposure to acids and bacteria can also result in tooth decay, as the tooth enamel becomes weaker and more susceptible to damage.

If left untreated, cavities and tooth decay can progress, leading to more serious dental issues such as infections and tooth loss. Therefore, managing xerostomia is essential to prevent cavities and to maintain overall oral health.

Does a dry mouth lead to sensitive teeth?

Yes, a consistently dry mouth can result in sensitive teeth.

If the mouth is often dry, the lack of saliva can cause the enamel to weaken over time, making teeth more susceptible to sensitivity to external factors like hot or cold temperatures and acidic foods.

It is therefore important to try and treat a dry mouth as soon as possible to avoid enamel erosion and teeth sensitivity.

Gingivitis and gum disease caused by a dry mouth

Not only does a dry mouth increase the risk of various teeth problems, but it can also cause gum issues such as bleeding gums and gingivitis, which can progress into gum disease and gum recession. Saliva is crucial for maintaining gum health as it helps to neutralise acids in the mouth and it has bacteria-fighting properties.

The increase in bacteria and plaque can lead to gingivitis, which, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages the gum tissue and can wear down the bone that supports your teeth, eventually leading to gum recession.

If you find you have inflamed and bleeding gums due to a dry mouth, you should speak to a medical or dental professional as soon as possible so that you can start treatment and prevent the issue from progressing into periodontitis.

Mouth sores from a dry mouth

Mouth sores can indeed be a consequence of a dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, the lack of saliva can lead to several issues that increase the likelihood of developing mouth sores:

• Without enough saliva, gum tissue can become dry, irritated, and more prone to injury, leading to sores.
• Xerostomia can also increase friction between your gum tissue and anything that comes into contact with it, like food, dentures, or orthodontic appliances, which can lead to the development of sores.
  
• When there is little to no saliva in the mouth, the risk of bacterial or fungal infections increases. These infections can cause mouth sores or cause existing sores to worsen.
  

Furthermore, if you have mouth sores, a dry mouth can make healing much more difficult. Saliva contains proteins and enzymes that can promote healing. Without enough saliva, sores may feel more painful and healing may take longer.

If you experience recurrent mouth sores due to xerostomia, it’s important to address the underlying cause of the dry mouth.

Does a dry mouth cause yellow teeth and discolouration?

A dry mouth does cause yellow teeth and discolouration in some cases. While xerostomia itself doesn't directly cause teeth to turn yellow, it can create conditions that make discolouration more likely:

• As previously mentioned, saliva plays a key role in washing away food particles and bacteria, which helps prevent plaque buildup. When you have little to no saliva in the mouth, food particles and bacteria can linger on your teeth, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can appear yellow or brown.
• Also, acids can erode the tooth enamel more easily. As enamel wears away, the dentin underneath becomes exposed, making the teeth appear yellow.
  
• Lack of saliva in the mouth can also make your teeth more susceptible to staining from certain foods, drinks, and smoking. Normally, saliva helps wash away the particles which cause staining, but in a dry mouth, these particles can easily adhere to the surface of the tooth.
  
• A chronic dry mouth can also lead to dehydration, which might lead to the teeth and gums looking dull and discoloured.
  

Addressing a dry mouth as soon as you notice it can help reduce the risk of yellow teeth and discolouration.

Why is dry mouth common at night and what are the causes?

For many people, xerostomia is very common at night and they often find themselves waking up with the feeling of a very dry mouth. Below we’ll explore some of the causes of a dry mouth at night:

• Saliva production is reduced while you sleep: The body naturally produces less saliva during sleep than during the day, which can lead to the feeling of a dry mouth.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can contribute to a dry mouth, and it may feel more prominent at night if you haven't drank enough fluids during the day or if you have lost fluid through sweating. Drinking alcohol can also contribute to dehydration and therefore xerostomia.
  
• Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth, rather than the nose, is one of the more common causes of a dry mouth at night as it dries out the oral tissues, leading to dryness.
  
• Medication: A side effect of many medications is a dry mouth, and the effects can be more noticeable at night.
• Ageing: As people age, saliva production tends to decrease, and older adults are more likely to take medications that cause xerostomia. This means that older individuals often find themselves waking up with a dry mouth.
  
• Health conditions: Health conditions like diabetes or certain autoimmune disorders can cause dry mouth, which may be more noticeable at night.
  

Read on to find out how you can alleviate the feeling of a dry mouth at night.

What natural remedies can be used for dry mouth relief?

If you are looking for temporary relief from the feeling of a dry mouth, there are many natural remedies that you can use at home:

1. Stay hydrated: Regularly sipping on water throughout the day helps keep your mouth moist. Carry a water bottle with you and take small sips frequently.
2. Chewing on sugar-free gum or sucking on sweets: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free sweets can stimulate saliva production. Look for products that contain xylitol, which is beneficial for your oral health.
   
3. Herbal teas: Ginger tea is known for its ability to stimulate saliva production. Chamomile tea also is soothing in cases where a mouth is very dry or irritated.
   
4. Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air which can help prevent your mouth from drying out, especially at night while you sleep.
   
5. Adopt a healthy diet: Another way in which you can find relief from a dry mouth is by maintaining a healthy diet. Foods with high water content, such as cucumbers and watermelon can help keep your mouth moist. Eating smaller meals more frequently can help stimulate saliva production. You should also avoid eating very dry, salty, and spicy foods often as they can make the mouth feel even more dry.
   
6. Cut back on alcohol, smoking and caffeine: Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are irritants that can contribute to xerostomia. Limiting your intake of these substances, or removing them completely from your lifestyle, can help maintain moisture in your mouth.
   
7. Breathe through your nose: Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Mouth breathing can cause your mouth to dry out, especially at night.
   

How to get rid of a dry mouth: treatment options and medications

If despite trying various remedies for a dry mouth, you still have the feeling of having no saliva, or if you experience severe discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or an increased frequency of dental issues, it’s important to consult a medical professional. Your GP will be able to help you identify the underlying cause, tell you if you need any treatment or medication, and/or can refer you to a specialist.

Some treatments and medications that may be prescribed for a dry mouth include:

• Saliva substitutes: You can purchase over-the-counter saliva substitutes in most pharmacies. These help add moisture to the mouth to temporarily relieve dryness.
• Saliva stimulants: If you visit your doctor about xerostomia, they may prescribe you a saliva stimulant. These help stimulate saliva production and are usually prescribed to patients who have a dry mouth due to additional health concerns.
  

There are also other ways in which you can get rid of a dry mouth without having direct treatment:

• In cases where a dry mouth is caused by an underlying health condition (like diabetes or sleep apnea), it is essential that this underlying condition is treated appropriately. Adequate treatment should in turn provide relief for a dry mouth.
• If your dry mouth is a side effect of medication, you should consult with your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
  

Is there any miracle cure for a dry mouth?

Unfortunately, there is no "miracle cure" for a dry mouth, as other conditions or factors usually cause it. However, many effective management techniques can significantly reduce symptoms. These strategies often involve a combination of natural remedies, medical treatments, and lifestyle changes, which should be tailored to each individual and their specific case.

How Impress can improve your oral health

If you want to align your teeth and improve your overall oral health, Impress clear aligner treatment can help. Misaligned teeth make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene because bacteria can accumulate in crowded or hard-to-reach areas.

Learn more about how our clear aligner treatments can benefit you, or explore our other treatments by visiting us at your nearest Impress clinic. Book a free orthodontic evaluation online, via WhatsApp or by calling us on +44 20 3808 1072.