Dry Mouth
What is dry mouth and why does it matter?
Dry mouth occurs when the mouth does not produce enough saliva to stay comfortably moist. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth and gums by washing away food debris, neutralising harmful acids, and supporting digestion. When saliva levels are reduced it can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum problems, bad breath, and oral discomfort.
Dry mouth is quite common and can occur for many different reasons. Some people experience occasional temporary dryness, while others may notice ongoing persistent symptoms. The positive news is that there are practical steps that can help manage symptoms and support oral health.
What can cause dry mouth?
Dry mouth can be linked to a variety of everyday and medical factors.
Common causes include:
· Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. The more medications a person takes, the higher their risk of experiencing dry mouth symptoms, as each medicine can add to the overall drying effect.
· Medical conditions such as diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, and neurological conditions that can affect saliva production.
· Lifestyle factors including smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and frequent mouth breathing.
· Natural changes associated with hormonal changes, ageing, or dehydration.
If you notice new or persistent dry mouth, it can be helpful to mention this during a dental or medical appointment, particularly if it started after beginning a new medication, or grouped with other symptoms.
How can you manage dry mouth?
Supporting saliva flow and protecting your teeth and gums are key parts of managing dry mouth. Combining several small daily habits helps improve comfort.
You may find it helpful to:
· Drink water regularly throughout the day. Frequent sips can help keep the mouth comfortable and support natural saliva function.
· Limit drinks that may contribute to dryness, such as alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Reducing frequency rather than completely avoiding them is often a realistic and manageable first step.
· Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free lozenges to help stimulate saliva flow, particularly after meals.
· Choose oral care products designed for dry mouth. Such as moisturising mouthwashes, gels, or sprays.
· Use a fluoride toothpaste. Reduced saliva increases the risk of tooth decay, and fluoride helps strengthen and protect tooth enamel.
· Opt for a SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) free toothpaste. As SLS can dry out the mouth even more and irritate the cheeks, gums, and tongue, sometimes causing ulcers.
· Clean between your teeth daily using interdental brushes or floss. Teeth affected by dry mouth may be more vulnerable to plaque build-up and decay between teeth.
· Avoid tobacco and vaping where possible. Many people notice improvements in mouth comfort and overall oral health when these habits are reduced or stopped.
· Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom if dryness is noticeable at night. Increasing moisture in the air may help reduce overnight symptoms.
Building small, manageable changes into your daily routine can help improve comfort and support long-term oral health.
Why is oral hygiene especially important with dry mouth?
Saliva naturally helps protect your mouth. When saliva levels are reduced, teeth and gums can become more vulnerable to damage.
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine can help reduce this risk. People with dry mouth benefit from personalised oral care advice, as product choices and routines may vary depending on individual needs.
When should you speak to a dental or healthcare professional?
Occasional dry mouth can happen to anyone. However, it may be helpful to seek professional advice if symptoms are frequent, persistent, or affecting comfort or your oral health.
You may benefit from professional advice if you notice:
· Ongoing dryness or difficulty swallowing or speaking
· A burning or sticky feeling in the mouth
· Increased tooth sensitivity
· Frequent tooth decay or gum irritation
· Changes in taste
· Cracked lips or sores in the mouth
· Dry mouth that started after beginning a new medication
· Changes in your oral health that you are unsure about
A dental or healthcare professional can assess your symptoms, review possible contributing factors, and provide personalised advice or treatment options if appropriate.
Supporting comfort and oral health with dry mouth
Dry mouth can be uncomfortable, but you can often successfully manage symptoms by developing supportive daily habits and seeking professional advice when needed. Maintaining a consistent oral care routine, staying hydrated, and choosing suitable oral care products can help protect your mouth and improve comfort over time.
Products to help with dry mouth
Hydrating mouthwash - saliva stimulating
The mild apple/peppermint saliva stimulating mouthwash, helps ease the feeling of a dry mouth. With added fluoride to protect teeth and a viscous consistency to moisten and soothe the mouth.
Hydrating mouthwash
The unflavoured hydrating mouthwash with added fluoride, leaves the mouth feeling comfortable and soothed. Its viscous consistency helps to moisten and calm the oral tissues, making it particularly suitable for people experiencing a very dry mouth, such as those undergoing radiotherapy treatment or individuals who have reduced saliva flow after surgery.
Hydrating mouth gel
Available in mild peppermint or unflavoured. The hydrating gel offers an immediate feeling of comfort for people experiencing dry mouth. Creating a thin, protective layer that gives prolonged comfort. Like the mouthwash, the unflavoured version is more suited for people experiencing very dry mouth, such as those undergoing radiotherapy treatment or individuals who have reduced saliva flow after surgery.
Hydrating mouth spray
A saliva stimulating spray with a mild apple/peppermint flavour, which immediately stimulates saliva and provides a moisturised, refreshed feeling. The spray contains xylitol and fluoride to help protect against cavities (maximum dose 20 sprays daily).
Lubricating mouth spray
Mouth spray with lubricating sunflower oil. The oil provides comfort for people with a very dry mouth and sensitive oral mucosa. The spray is mild with no added flavour and be used as often as needed.
Pure toothpaste
Available in mild peppermint or unflavoured, this very gentle, SLS-free fluoride toothpaste is ideal for people experiencing dry mouth, offering comfortable, foam-free brushing without irritating delicate oral tissues. Containing only the essentials, its mild formula makes daily cleaning more pleasant for those with sensitivities, while still providing effective protection against tooth decay.
Gingival gel
TePe Gingival Gel combines plaque-busting chlorhexidine with enamel-strengthening fluoride and protective xylitol. It can be applied to teeth with an interdental brush or a specialty brush for extra protection against gum disease and dental caries.
FAQs about dry mouth
Can dry mouth lead to dental problems?
Yes. Dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Saliva helps neutralise acids, protect tooth enamel, and wash away bacteria. When saliva is reduced, these protective benefits are reduced, which is why preventive care becomes especially important.
Are there lifestyle changes that can help manage dry mouth?
Yes, simple lifestyle adjustments help improve dry mouth symptoms. Staying hydrated, reducing alcohol and tobacco use, maintaining good oral hygiene, and using saliva-supporting products can all help manage dryness and support oral health.
Are there natural ways to help relieve dry mouth?
While dry mouth does not always have a single solution, some people find relief from chewing sugar-free gum or choosing foods with high water content, such as cucumber, melon, or yoghurt. Drinking water regularly throughout the day can also help improve comfort.