Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) might not seem serious at first, but it can have a big impact on your comfort and oral health. A lack of saliva doesn’t just feel unpleasant, it also makes it harder for your mouth to naturally clean itself, increasing your risk of cavities, gum problems, and bad breath.
On this page, we’ll explain what causes dry mouth, how to get relief, and which oral care products can help restore moisture and comfort.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
There are a few common reasons why your mouth might feel persistently dry:
- Medications: One of the leading causes of dry mouth is medication. Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications are common culprits.
- Ageing: Saliva production naturally decreases with age, which is why dry mouth is more common in older adults.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water or consuming too many caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can lead to temporary dryness.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, and autoimmune disorders can affect saliva glands and lead to chronic dryness.
- Radiation or chemotherapy: Cancer treatments involving the head and neck can damage salivary glands, reducing saliva flow.
- Mouth breathing or snoring: Sleeping with your mouth open or snoring can dry out oral tissues overnight.
For a more detailed explanation of the condition, see our in-depth article on Dry Mouth: Causes & Treatments and How to Stop Dry Mouth While Sleeping.
How to Treat and Prevent Dry Mouth
Managing dry mouth starts with lifestyle tweaks and targeted treatments:
- Stay hydrated: Sip water regularly throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco: These both dry out the mouth and can make symptoms worse.
- Use a moisturising mouthwash or spray: Specially formulated rinses and sprays help soothe dry tissues and stimulate saliva flow.
- Switch to an SLS-free toothpaste: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can irritate dry mouths, so a gentle, SLS-free formula is ideal.
- Chew sugar-free gum or lozenges: These help stimulate saliva production and keep your mouth feeling fresher for longer.
- Humidify your space: A humidifier in your bedroom or office can prevent further dryness, especially overnight.
- Talk to your doctor or dentist: If dry mouth is ongoing, your health provider may adjust your medications or investigate underlying causes.
Recommended Products for Dry Mouth
We’ve carefully selected a range of dentist-approved products to help relieve and manage dry mouth symptoms:
- Dry mouth toothpastes – gentle, hydrating formulas without SLS
- Alcohol-free mouthwashes – specially made to moisturise without irritation
- Saliva substitutes and sprays – provide instant relief and long-lasting hydration
- Moisturising gels and foams – ideal for overnight use or more persistent symptoms
- Sugar-free chewing gums or lozenges – stimulate saliva flow naturally
You can shop our full dry mouth product range to find the best fit for your needs.
Why Shop With Us?
At The House of Mouth, we understand how frustrating dry mouth can be, and how hard it is to find products that actually help. That’s why we’ve curated a specialised selection of clinically backed, dentist-approved treatments designed to soothe and support your mouth.
Whether you’re managing medication side effects or living with a medical condition, we’re here to help you find relief and feel confident in your oral care routine.
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(07) 55 34 8603
