Dry mouth sounds minor until you actually live with it. That sticky, cottony feeling makes talking, eating, and even sleeping uncomfortable. Saliva isn’t just “water”; it protects teeth, helps you swallow, and keeps the mouth environment balanced.
Common causes include certain medicines (for allergies, blood pressure, mood), dehydration, breathing through the mouth, smoking, and some medical conditions. Stress and anxiety can also reduce saliva without you noticing directly.
When your mouth stays dry, the risk of cavities, gum problems, and bad breath increases. Food sticks more, plaque builds up, and you may struggle with spicy or dry foods. Lips crack more easily, and dentures, if you wear them, can feel irritating.
Small daily changes can bring relief. Sip water regularly instead of taking big gulps occasionally. Sugar-free chewing gum or lozenges can gently stimulate saliva. Avoid constant snacking on sugary or sticky foods, and cut down on alcohol and tobacco, which further dry the mouth.
Alcohol-free mouthwashes and gels made for dry mouth can be soothing. If your dryness started after adding a new medicine, talk to your doctor; sometimes doses or timings can be adjusted. And because dry mouth raises cavity risk, regular dental visits become even more important.
Ignoring it won’t make it go away, but steady, simple habits can make dry mouth much easier to live with.