Dry mouth (xerostomia)

Overview

Saliva protects teeth and helps taste and swallowing.

Hundreds of medicines can cause it.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Dry mouth
• Sticky feeling

Less common

• Bad breath
• Trouble swallowing

When to get medical care

Causes

Medicines, Sjogren's, radiation, and dehydration.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age

Possible complications

• Cavities

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional reviews medicines.

The exam

A mouth exam.

Treatment

Keep your mouth moist.

Self-care

• Sip water often
• Chew sugar-free gum
• Use a humidifier
• Avoid alcohol mouthwash and caffeine

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

• Regular dental care

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dentist or an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could my medicines cause this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Dry mouth (xerostomia)