Dry mouth (xerostomia)

Dry mouth, or xerostomia (say "zee-ruh-STO-mee-uh"), is a condition in which the mouth doesn't produce enough saliva. Saliva helps neutralize the acid caused by plaque. And it helps flush away sugars that stick to teeth.

Xerostomia has many possible causes. But it is most often a side effect of medicine.

Mild or moderate dry mouth can usually be improved by taking frequent sips of water, chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking on sugar-free hard candy. Mouth lubricants and saliva substitutes can help to moisten the mouth and throat. More severe dry mouth symptoms may need treatment with medicine.

People with dry mouth need to be especially attentive to their dental care.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.

Health Information Library