Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Dry Mouth?
A primary care doctor or a dentist can usually find the cause of dry mouth. If an illness such as Sjögren's disease is behind it, you may be sent to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist (a doctor who treats immune and joint diseases). A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, means you do not have enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.
Saliva, or spit, is made by your salivary glands.
It makes food easier to chew and swallow and washes small food pieces off your teeth and gums.
Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while, such as when nervous or stressed.
If dry mouth lasts, it can make chewing, swallowing, and even talking hard. It also raises the risk of tooth decay and mouth infections.
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dry mouth may include:
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth.
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking.
- A burning feeling in the mouth.
- A dry feeling in the throat.
- Cracked lips and a dry, rough tongue.
- Mouth sores or a mouth infection.
- Bad breath.
Saliva may also become thick or stringy.
Too little saliva lets acid-producing bacteria grow. This can lead to cavities and gum disease, and it raises the risk of thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth.
Causes and who gets it
Hundreds of medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva.
Examples include some medicines for high blood pressure, depression, and bladder-control issues, as well as antihistamines and decongestants.
Illnesses such as Sjögren's disease, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes can also cause dry mouth.
Radiation therapy to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands.
Chemotherapy can make saliva thicker and cause the mouth to feel dry.
Injury to the nerves that tell the glands to make saliva can also cause it.
Dehydration, breathing through the mouth, tobacco, and alcohol can dry out the mouth too.
Dry mouth is common in older adults, but aging itself does not cause it. Older adults often have more health conditions and take more medicines, which raises the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
Proper treatment involves finding out the cause.
Your provider will ask about your symptoms, review your medical history, and check the medicines you take. They will also look at your mouth, head, and neck.
You may need blood tests, scans of the salivary glands, or a test that measures how much saliva you make.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause.
If a medicine is the cause, your provider or dentist may adjust the dose or switch medicines. Talk with them before you change any medicine.
Your provider may also prescribe a medicine that helps the glands make saliva, or a saliva substitute that replaces natural saliva.
You can also try store-bought artificial saliva, mouth sprays, or moisturizers.
Things you can do at home:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to help saliva flow.
- Use a humidifier at night.
- Try to breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can dry out your mouth.
- Avoid spicy or salty foods, which can cause pain in a dry mouth.
Dry mouth raises your risk of tooth decay. Brush and floss regularly and see your dentist at least twice a year.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if:
- Your dry mouth does not go away.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- You have a burning feeling in your mouth.
- You have white patches in your mouth.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review the medicines you take, which is part of finding the cause. They can also help coordinate care with your dentist or a specialist.
Common questions
Is dry mouth a normal part of aging?
No, dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. It is common in older adults because they often take more medicines and have more health conditions.
Can medicines cause dry mouth?
Yes, many medicines can cause dry mouth. Talk with your doctor or dentist before you change any medicine. They may adjust the dose or switch medicines.
Can dry mouth hurt my teeth?
Yes, dry mouth raises the risk of tooth decay and mouth infections. Brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year can help.
What can I do at home for dry mouth?
At home, you can drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and use a humidifier at night. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco also helps.
Sources
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research - Dry Mouth
- MedlinePlus - Dry mouth
- MedlinePlus - Dry Mouth
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
