🥤 Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
PH
PureHealthness Editorial Team · Health writers & reviewers
📝 Last reviewed: August 2026
✔ Transparent sourcing · Some articles are AI-drafted, then reviewed & fact-checked by our team
📝 Last reviewed: August 2026
| In brief | Persistent dry feeling, frequent thirst, cracked lips, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. |
|---|---|
| Category | Oral |
🔍 What causes it
Reduced saliva — from medicines (hundreds of drugs list it), dehydration, mouth breathing, radiation therapy, Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, or ageing of glands. Saliva is essential: it cleans teeth, starts digestion, protects gums.
⚠️ Key symptoms
- Persistent dry or sticky mouth
- Frequent thirst and cracked lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
- Bad breath, mouth sores, higher cavity risk
💊 Treatment
Sip water often, sugar-free gum/lozenges (stimulates saliva), saliva substitutes, humidifier at night, good oral hygiene + fluoride. Treat the cause where possible (adjust medicines with a doctor).
🛡️ Prevention
Stay hydrated, limit caffeine/alcohol, don't smoke, breathe through the nose, regular dental care.
🚨 See a doctor / red flags: See a doctor promptly if symptoms are severe, do not improve, or get worse — especially for children, older adults, pregnant women, or anyone with a chronic condition.
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