Saliva helps clean the mouth, neutralize acids, and maintain the minerals in enamel. If dryness is constant, the risk of cavities, bad breath, and irritated mucosa goes up.
Common causes
- a side effect of medications, including some for blood pressure, depression, and allergies;
- diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, and other conditions;
- mouth breathing, smoking, alcohol, a lot of caffeine;
- radiation therapy or treatment that affects the salivary glands.
What you can safely do
Sip water in small amounts, use sugar-free chewing gum, avoid frequent sugary drinks and alcohol, and keep up fluoride toothpaste and interdental cleaning. Don't stop a medication on your own: discuss the dryness with the doctor who prescribed it.
When not to wait
See a dentist if the dryness comes with rapidly developing cavities, burning, sores, a fungal coating, or trouble chewing or swallowing. AiOraly can flag this as an important factor, but a doctor determines the cause of the dryness.
Sources: NIDCR, CDC, ADA. This material does not replace a consultation.