Dry mouth

Category: Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat · All head & senses symptoms

What it can feel like

A dry mouth means too little saliva — a parched, sticky feeling, difficulty swallowing dry foods, altered taste, and often worsening dental health, because saliva protects the teeth. It is very often a medicine effect, which makes a medication review the first step.

Possible causes

A symptom can have many causes, and most are not serious. The lists below group conditions this symptom can be associated with — common causes first. They are possibilities to discuss with a clinician, not a diagnosis.

Common causes

A dry mouth can be associated with many medicines (antidepressants, bladder and blood pressure drugs, antihistamines), mouth breathing and snoring, dehydration, anxiety, caffeine and alcohol.

Other possible causes

Persistent dry mouth with dry eyes can be associated with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune condition of the saliva and tear glands. Dry mouth also follows radiotherapy to the head and neck and occurs with uncontrolled diabetes.

Red flags — when to seek help promptly

Dry mouth with rapidly increasing dental decay or repeated oral thrush
Dry mouth together with dry, gritty eyes and joint pains
Dry mouth with extreme thirst and weight loss
Dry mouth with a swollen saliva gland that does not settle

What a clinician may do

A clinician will review your medicines — the most common cause — examine the mouth and saliva glands, and check blood sugar. Blood tests for autoimmune conditions follow if the eyes are dry too. Saliva substitutes, sugar-free gum and meticulous dental care protect the teeth meanwhile.

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Frequently asked questions

Why does saliva matter so much?

Saliva neutralises acid, washes away food, supplies minerals that repair enamel and keeps fungal infections in check. Without it, decay at the gumline and root surfaces can advance startlingly fast — which is why dry mouth earns fluoride protection and close dental follow-up.

Can medicines really dry the mouth this much?

Yes — hundreds of commonly used medicines list dry mouth among their effects, and combinations add up. Never stop a prescribed medicine for it, but do ask for a review: timing, dose or an alternative can often be adjusted.

Related symptoms — Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat

Bad breath (halitosis)Bleeding gums Blocked ear feeling Blocked or runny nose Blurred vision Difficulty swallowing

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Please note: This page is educational information about a symptom. A symptom alone cannot diagnose any condition, and the causes listed here are possibilities, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about a symptom — especially one that is new, severe, getting worse or not going away — please see your own clinician, who can examine you and arrange tests. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.