Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooDry Mouth – Xerostomia

Dry mouth is a health problem that can contribute to tooth decay and other mouth infections (NHS, 2023; Villa, Connell and Abati, 2014). It is rarely a sign of anything serious, but a dry mouth that does not go away may be caused by a condition such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome (NHS, 2023). Dry mouth is not a normal part of ageing (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2024). If you suffer from any of these symptoms, my advice is to inform your doctor and dentist at the first opportunity.

What Is Dry Mouth?

What Happens When You Have Dry Mouth?

People with dry mouth have a range of discomfort and symptoms. Some people feel a dry or burning sensation in their mouths or find it hard to chew, taste, swallow and speak. Changes in saliva can also affect oral and dental health. Severe cases of dry mouth can include symptoms such as splitting or cracking of the lips and/or corners of the mouth, changes in the surface of the tongue, rapid tooth decay, ulcers in the lining of the mouth, and infections such as thrush (Villa, Connell and Abati, 2014).

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Why Is Saliva Important?

Is Natural Relief Available?

• Take regular sips of cold water or cold unsweetened drinks during the day, and avoid lots of caffeine (such as tea and coffee), alcohol and fizzy drinks (NHS, 2023)
• Sip water or a sugar-free drink while eating, to make chewing and swallowing easier (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2024)
• Keep some water by your bed at night (NHS, 2023)
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free sweets, or suck on ice cubes or ice lollies (NHS, 2023)
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol, as these dry the mouth (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2024)
• Avoid foods that are acidic (like lemons), spicy, salty or sugary (NHS, 2023)
• Eat celery, cucumbers, carrots, apples, melons, or any other fruits or vegetables with a high water content
• Brush your teeth twice a day and use an alcohol-free mouthwash (but do not swallow it), because you are more likely to get tooth decay with a dry mouth (NHS, 2023)
• Use lip balm if your lips are also dry, and do not sleep with dentures in (NHS, 2023)
• Try using a humidifier at night (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2024)
• Have regular dental check-ups (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2024)

A Pharmacist Can Help

Can Your Doctor Help?

See your family doctor or nurse practitioner if (NHS, 2023)

• your dry mouth makes it difficult to talk or eat, or you are struggling to eat regularly
• your mouth is still dry after trying home or pharmacy treatments for a few weeks
• you have problems with your sense of taste that are not going away
• your mouth is painful, red, swollen or bleeding, or you have sore white patches in your mouth
• you think a prescribed medicine might be causing your dry mouth
• you have other symptoms, like needing to pee a lot or dry eyes

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or dentist

1. NHS (2023) Dry mouth. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/dry-mouth/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
2. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (2024) Dry mouth. Available at: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
3. Villa, A., Connell, C.L. and Abati, S. (2014) 'Diagnosis and management of xerostomia and hyposalivation', Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 11, pp. 45–51. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S76282