How to Get Rid of Dry Mouth and Find the Cause

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, happens when your mouth does not have enough saliva to stay comfortably moist. It can make talking, chewing, swallowing, or wearing dentures uncomfortable, and can leave a sticky feeling, altered taste, or bad breath. These steps may ease temporary dryness, but the best long-term fix depends on its cause. You do not need special equipment to start; a glass or bottle of water and sugar-free gum or lozenges can help.

What You’ll Need

Water for regular small sips.
Sugar-free gum or sugar-free lozenges, if chewing and swallowing are comfortable.
A clean humidifier, if indoor air is dry; follow its care instructions.
A list of medicines and supplements you use, to discuss with a dentist or clinician if symptoms continue.

Step-by-Step

Start with water. Take small, frequent sips rather than waiting until your mouth feels very dry. Keep water nearby and drink with meals. This can moisten your mouth and make chewing and swallowing easier. If a health professional has told you to limit fluids, follow that guidance and ask what is appropriate for you.
Encourage saliva gently. If you can chew and swallow safely, try sugar-free gum or a sugar-free lozenge. These can prompt saliva flow without bathing teeth in sugar. Avoid hard sweets if you have trouble swallowing or are at risk of choking. Ask a dentist or pharmacist about saliva substitutes, such as moisturizing gels, sprays, or rinses, if simple measures are not enough. Choose products labeled for dry mouth and follow the package directions.
Reduce common triggers. Cut back on alcohol, tobacco, and excessive caffeine, which can worsen dryness for some people. Alcohol-containing mouthwash may also feel irritating or drying; consider an alcohol-free option. Spicy, salty, or acidic foods can sting a dry mouth, so choose softer, milder foods while symptoms are active. Do not stop prescribed medicines to see if dryness improves.
Protect your teeth. Saliva helps protect teeth, so ongoing dry mouth can raise the risk of cavities and oral irritation. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth each day. Ask your dentist whether you need additional fluoride protection and how often to have checkups. Avoid frequent sugary drinks or sweets, which can increase tooth decay risk.
Make the air more comfortable. If your bedroom or home feels dry, a clean humidifier may help relieve overnight discomfort. Clean and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s directions to prevent buildup. If you wake with a dry mouth and also have nasal congestion or persistent mouth-breathing, mention that to a clinician rather than assuming a humidifier will fix the cause.
Review possible causes with a professional. Many medicines can contribute to dry mouth, as can some health conditions, dehydration, and treatments affecting the head or neck. Write down when the dryness began, what makes it worse, and all medicines and supplements you take. A clinician or pharmacist can review possible links and discuss safe options; do not change a dose or stop a medicine on your own.
Arrange care if it persists. Contact a dentist or clinician if dryness does not improve, keeps returning, or interferes with eating, speaking, or sleeping. They can check for oral problems, discuss likely causes, and recommend suitable treatment. Seek prompt medical help for severe difficulty swallowing or breathing, or if you cannot keep fluids down.

Common Mistakes

Using sugary candy for relief: It may stimulate saliva briefly, but frequent sugar exposure can increase tooth decay risk. Choose sugar-free products instead.
Drinking alcohol or lots of caffeine to wet the mouth: These can worsen dryness for some people. Water is a better first choice.
Stopping medicine without advice: A medicine may be involved, but stopping it abruptly can be unsafe. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist about alternatives or adjustments.
Ignoring dental care: Dryness is not just uncomfortable; reduced saliva can leave teeth more vulnerable. Keep brushing, cleaning between teeth, and attending dental visits.
Assuming every case is dehydration: Dry mouth can have several causes. Drinking water may ease the feeling but will not necessarily address the underlying reason.

Tips

Keep water within reach at work, at home, and beside your bed, unless you have been advised to limit fluids.
Take small sips with meals and choose moist foods, such as soups or sauces, if chewing feels uncomfortable.
Use a lip balm if your lips also feel dry, and ask a dentist about products made specifically to moisturize the mouth.
Track whether symptoms are worse at a particular time, after a medicine, or in a dry environment. This can help a professional identify patterns.
If you use dentures, clean and care for them as directed, and ask your dentist if dryness is affecting their fit or causing sore spots.

Troubleshooting

Water helps only briefly: Keep taking small sips, but arrange a dental or medical review if the dryness keeps returning. Ask whether medication or another cause could be contributing.

Gum or lozenges are uncomfortable: Stop using them if they cause pain, irritation, or swallowing difficulty. Try a dry-mouth moisturizing product after checking its directions, and ask a dentist or pharmacist for help choosing one.

Your mouth is sore or you notice new dental problems: Contact a dentist, particularly if you see sores, worsening tooth sensitivity, or trouble wearing dentures. Do not rely on home measures to treat a persistent oral problem.

Dryness comes with trouble swallowing or breathing: Get urgent medical help for breathing difficulty or severe swallowing problems. For persistent but less severe swallowing difficulty, contact a clinician promptly.

You suspect a medicine: Note when symptoms began and contact the prescriber or pharmacist. They can assess whether the medicine may be related and explain safe next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to relieve dry mouth?

Take small sips of water and, if safe for you, chew sugar-free gum or use a sugar-free lozenge. Relief may be temporary, so seek advice if symptoms persist.

Can dry mouth be caused by medication?

Yes. Many medicines can contribute. A pharmacist or prescriber can review your medication list and discuss options; do not stop or change a prescribed medicine on your own.

Does dry mouth go away on its own?

Temporary dryness may improve when a short-lived trigger passes. Ongoing or recurring symptoms should be assessed because they can have multiple causes and may affect oral health.

Should I use mouthwash for dry mouth?

If mouthwash irritates or worsens dryness, avoid alcohol-containing products and ask a dentist about an alcohol-free rinse made for dry mouth. Follow the label directions.

When should I see a dentist or doctor?

Make an appointment if dryness persists, recurs, or makes eating, speaking, or sleeping difficult. Get urgent help for severe difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Further reading: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.