attachment 8 - dry mouth brochure

ORAL HEALTH
INFORMATION FOR ADULTS

DRY MOUTH
Dry mouth is the feeling that there is not enough saliva in the
mouth. Common causes of dry mouth in adults include side
effects of certain medications and dehydration, when you
lose more fluid than you take in.
Dry mouth can make it hard to chew, swallow, or even talk.
Having less saliva also increases the risk of developing tooth
decay or fungal infections in the mouth since saliva helps
keep harmful germs in check.
Dentures can become uncomfortable and may not fit as well
if the mouth is dry. And without enough saliva, dentures can
rub against the gums or the roof of the mouth and cause sore
spots. 
It is important to know that dry mouth is not part of the
aging process itself. However, some adults take medications
that can dry out the mouth, and taking more than one
of these can make dry mouth even worse. For example,
medicines for allergies, high blood pressure, depression,
and bladder-control problems often cause dry mouth. (Do
not make any changes to your medications, though, without
first talking to your physician.)

DID
YOU
KNOW?

Some people feel they have dry
mouth even if their salivary glands are
working correctly. People with certain
conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease
or those who have suffered a stroke,
may not be able to feel wetness in
their mouths.

WHAT CAUSES DRY MOUTH?
■ Side effects of some
medicines. Hundreds of
medicines can cause the
salivary glands to make
less saliva.
■ Dehydration. Aging
adults are more prone to
dehydration than younger
people.
■ Disease. Diabetes, Sjögren’s
syndrome, and HIV/AIDS
can all cause dry mouth.
■ Radiation therapy. The
salivary glands can be
damaged if they are
exposed to radiation during
cancer treatment.
■ Chemotherapy. Drugs used
to treat cancer can make
saliva thicker, causing the
mouth to feel dry.
■ Nerve damage. Injury to the
head or neck can damage
the nerves that tell salivary
glands to make saliva.

WHAT IF YOU HAVE DRY MOUTH?
Make sure you visit a dentist or physician who can help determine what is causing the dry
mouth and suggest appropriate treatments. If medications are causing dry mouth, your dentist
or physician might advise changing medications or adjusting the dosages.  Other treatments
might include a medicine that helps the salivary glands work better and artificial saliva to keep
the mouth wet.
YOU MAY ALSO DO THE FOLLOWING:
■ Sip water or sugarless drinks often,
especially during meals. This will make
chewing and swallowing easier. It may
also improve the taste of food.
■ Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee,
tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out
the mouth.
■ Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless
hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; citrus,
cinnamon, or mint-flavored candies are
good choices. Some sugarless chewing
gums and candies contain xylitol and
may help prevent cavities.

■ Be aware that spicy or salty foods may
cause pain in a dry mouth.
■ Use a humidifier at night.
TO MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL
HEALTH, YOU SHOULD ALSO:
■ Gently brush at least twice a day with
fluoride toothpaste.
■ Floss regularly.
■ Avoid sticky, sugary foods, or brush
immediately after eating them.
■ Rinse with water after using an inhaler or
taking any syrup-based medicines.

■ Don’t use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out ■ Select sugarless cough drops, vitamins,
and antacid tablets.
the mouth.
■ Use a fluoride mouth rinse that does not
contain alcohol.

VISIT THE
DENTIST
REGULARLY

You or a person you care for should visit the dentist
even if there are no remaining natural teeth. And see
the dentist right away about any changes in the mouth
such as sores, pain, swelling, or bleeding gums.

Adapted from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research • 1-866-232-4528 • www.nidcr.nih.gov
This information is not copyrighted. Make as many photocopies as you need.

November 2020