Dry mouth - causes and effects on oral health

Dry mouth - causes and effects on oral health

On 25 March 202525 March 2025In Polish Dentist in the UK, Preventive Dentistry

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common problem that can lead to serious oral health consequences. Lack of adequate saliva not only causes discomfort, but also promotes the development of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. It is worth understanding where dry mouth comes from, how to prevent it and what are effective treatments for this problem.

Where does dry mouth come from?

Dry mouth can have many causes, both related to lifestyle and the patient's health. The most common causes include:

  • dehydration - insufficient fluid in the body results in reduced saliva production
  • taking medication - some medications, especially antidepressants, blood pressure medication and antihistamines, can cause dry mouth as a side effect. You can read more on this topic "Drugs and diseases that spoil teeth"
  • chronic diseases - diabetes, autoimmune diseases and neurological diseases can lead to reduced saliva production.
  • smoking and alcohol consumption - both stimulants contribute to dryness of the oral mucosa.
  • breathing through the mouth - especially when sleeping can cause dry mouth and unpleasant morning breath.

Clearly, prevention is always better than cure. So how can this be done?

Alt text: 'A couple in the kitchen are drinking drinks from cups. A man wearing a white shirt and a woman wearing a grey jumper sit at the kitchen counter. The medical and dental logo is visible in the bottom right corner."

How to prevent dry mouth?

To reduce the risk of dry mouth, it is worth following a few simple rules

Firstly - keep your body hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day supports the proper functioning of the salivary glands. In addition to this, maintain adequate indoor air humidity. Particularly during the heating season, it is a good idea to use air humidifiers to prevent the mucous membranes from drying out.

Secondly, avoid substances that dry out the mucous membranes - Cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and smoking can help reduce the problem. Also take care of your oral hygiene - regular brushing, flossing and the use of alcohol-free mouthwashes help to maintain a healthy microflora. 

Finally, you can help yourself by chewing sugar-free gum. It stimulates saliva production, which can relieve dry mouth symptoms.  

'Modern dental office with dental chair and medical equipment. In the background you can see an X-ray on the wall and professional dental lighting. The room is kept in bright, sterile colours."

And what if these methods fail?

If dry mouth is chronic and causes significant discomfort, it is worth consulting your dentist or doctor. Depending on the cause, your doctor may prescribe moisturisers such as special gels, sprays and liquids to help keep your mouth moisturised.

In case the cause is medication, The doctor can suggest alternative measures. On the other hand, controlling illnesses can help reduce symptoms.

IMPORTANT: Remember not to underestimate dry mouth, especially if it lasts longer. Why?

Alt text: a patient in a dentist's office sits in the chair, holding her hand to her cheek with an expression of discomfort or toothache. She is wearing a denim shirt. The mint-coloured dental chair and the medical equipment of the office are visible in the background.

Consequences of untreated dry mouth

Malfunctioning salivary glands and prolonged dry mouth can lead to a number of health problems such as:

  • increased risk caries - saliva neutralises acids in the mouth and helps remove food debris; its deficiency promotes the growth of bacteria
  • gingivitis and infections - dry mouth can cause irritation, ulcers and fungal infections
  • bad breath - lack of saliva promotes the multiplication of bacteria responsible for halitosis
  • problems with swallowing and speaking - saliva plays a key role in the process of chewing and swallowing, its deficiency can make eating and communication difficult

Dry mouth is not just an unpleasant ailmentbut also a serious threat to oral health. It is worth taking proper care of mucous membrane lubrication and consulting a specialist if necessary to avoid complications and improve comfort.