You know that feeling when your tongue sticks to the roof of your mouth, you’re sipping water all day, and it never quite helps? Most people brush it off as being a bit dehydrated. But if it’s happening day after day, there may be something else behind it, and it could be sitting in your bathroom cabinet. As a dentist in Melton, we often notice the signs of dry mouth during check-ups, and when we ask about medications, the pieces usually start falling into place.
What Is a Dry Mouth, Really?
Its medical name is xerostomia, but basically it is when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. It does not seem as if it is something important, but saliva is really a hidden champion of your body. This liquid washes out food particles and bacteria from your mouth, neutralises acids that attack your teeth, helps protect your enamel, assists in chewing and swallowing, and gives you the ability to perceive the taste of food.
The Medication Connection
Here’s the part that surprises most people. Hundreds of commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect. Some of the usual culprits include:
- Antihistamines and decongestants, for allergies, hay fever or colds
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications
- Some blood pressure medications, including certain fluid tablets
- Pain relief medications, particularly stronger ones
- Medications for an overactive bladder
- Some medications for sleep or mental health conditions
And it can add up. If you’re taking several medications at once, which is pretty common as we get older, the chances of noticing dry mouth tend to increase.
Medications aren’t the only cause, of course. Dehydration, breathing through your mouth at night, smoking or vaping, diabetes, certain autoimmune conditions, and some cancer treatments can all play a part too.
Why Your Teeth Care About It
When your mouth is dry, the bacteria that cause decay get a bit of a free run. Without enough saliva to wash things away and buffer acid, teeth can become more vulnerable to cavities. This includes decay along the gumline and on exposed root surfaces, which can be trickier to treat.
Other things people often notice include:
- Bad breath that lingers
- Sore or irritated gums
- A burning or tender feeling in the mouth
- Cracked lips or sores at the corners of the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or talking for long periods
- Dentures that feel loose or rub uncomfortably
- A higher chance of oral thrush
If you’ve been getting more fillings than usual lately, even though your habits haven’t changed, dry mouth could be part of the story.
Please Don’t Stop Your Medication
This one’s important. If you think a medication might be causing dry mouth, don’t stop taking it or change the dose on your own. Many of these medications are doing a really important job.
Instead, have a chat with your GP or pharmacist. Sometimes there’s an alternative, a different dose, or a change in timing that may help. Other times, the best approach is to keep the medication and manage the dry mouth alongside it. Your doctor and dentist can work together on that.
Everyday Ways to Get Some Relief
The good news is there are plenty of simple things that can help:
- Sip water regularly throughout the day, and keep a bottle by your bed.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free lollies to help get saliva flowing. Products with xylitol are a popular choice.
- Go easy on caffeine and alcohol, as both can make dryness worse.
- Check your mouthwash. Some contain alcohol, which can be drying. An alcohol-free option may feel more comfortable.
- Try a humidifier in your bedroom if you wake up with a dry mouth.
- Ask your pharmacist about saliva substitutes, like sprays, gels or rinses designed for dry mouth.
- Avoid sugary or acidic snacks and drinks, especially sipping or nibbling on them throughout the day.
How Your Dentist Can Help
It’s certainly worthwhile informing your dentist about dry mouth and providing them with a complete list of medications that you use. It will give them an idea of the problem you have and allow them to pay additional attention to those parts of your mouth that are prone to more problems.
Depending on your case, your dentist might recommend increasing the frequency of your visits, using high-fluoride content toothpaste, as well as other dental products. In case you use dentures, your dentist can examine their condition and see whether they need any adjustments.