Who treats hyposalivation?

2 professionals can treat salivary gland disorders: A dentist specializing in maxillofacial surgery or a doctor specializing in otorhinolaryngology.

Differences between xerostomia, dry mouth, and hyposalivation

There is no difference, all of these terms are used to refer to decreased saliva production.

Why do people with xerostomia have tooth decay?

This is because saliva has cleansing and remineralizing properties, by reducing salivary flow, tooth enamel is exposed to acid attack produced by bacteria that accumulate in the mouth.

Why does the mouth dry when sleeping?

Salivary gland activity naturally decreases during sleep, so it's normal for your mouth to be less moist while you sleep, however, nighttime dry mouth can be made worse if you breathe through your mouth. The use of heating systems or fans can produce a sensation of dry mouth at night since they dry the air we breathe. This can be fixed by using air humidifiers.

Can Covid-19 cause xerostomia?

Yes, although the exact mechanism by which Covid-19 causes hyposalivation is not known, it has been proven that between 30% and 50% of people with Covid have decreased salivary production.

🦷😓 Xerostomia (Dry Mouth): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Xerostomia, commonly referred to as dry mouth, is a condition where your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist.

It can feel uncomfortable and lead to oral health problems if left untreated.

Table of content

🧬 Causes of Xerostomia

Several factors can lead to reduced saliva production:

Medications 💊
Many drugs — such as antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, and diuretics — are known to cause dry mouth.
Medical Conditions 🏥
Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and HIV/AIDS may affect salivary gland function.
Cancer Treatments 🎗️
Radiation in the head or neck area and some chemotherapy drugs can damage salivary glands.
Nerve Damage 🧠
Injuries to the head or neck may impair nerve signals that control saliva production.
Dehydration 💧
Fever, vomiting, excessive sweating, blood loss, or burns can all lead to dry mouth.
Lifestyle Choices 🚬
Smoking, alcohol, and recreational drug use can worsen or cause dry mouth.

⚠️ Symptoms of Dry Mouth

You might be experiencing xerostomia if you notice:

Sticky, dry feeling in the mouth or throat
Frequent thirst
Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth
Dry, rough tongue 👅
Burning sensation in the mouth
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking 🗣️
Hoarseness or dry nasal passages
Bad breath 😷
Altered taste perception
Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease

🩺 Treatment for Xerostomia

Managing dry mouth often requires a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medical treatment.

Try these tips:

Stay hydrated 🥤
Sip water regularly, especially during meals.
Stimulate saliva flow 🍬
Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies.
Avoid triggers ❌
Limit alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.
Use oral moisturizers 💧
Try over-the-counter mouth sprays, rinses, or saliva substitutes.
Breathe through your nose 👃
Mouth breathing can worsen dryness.
Install a humidifier 🌫️
Especially helpful while you sleep.

Medical options:

Medication review 💊
Talk to your doctor about changing or adjusting drugs that may cause dry mouth.
Prescription saliva stimulants
Drugs like pilocarpine or cevimeline may be recommended.

🛡️ Prevention

Preventing dry mouth involves simple but consistent oral care:

Drink plenty of water daily
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes
Brush and floss regularly
Visit your dentist routinely
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine
Use humidifiers at home

❓ FAQs About Xerostomia

Is xerostomia a disease?
No — it’s a symptom of other conditions or side effects from medication.

Can dry mouth go away on its own?
If it’s caused by temporary factors like dehydration or short-term medication, it might. Chronic cases usually require treatment.

Does dry mouth cause cavities?
Yes! Saliva helps protect against tooth decay, so reduced saliva raises your risk of cavities and gum disease.

What’s the difference between xerostomia and dehydration?
Xerostomia is a persistent dry mouth condition even when you’re well hydrated. Dehydration affects your whole body.

Can I use regular mouthwash?
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes — they worsen dryness. Look for products labeled “dry mouth” or alcohol-free.

✅ Conclusion

Xerostomia may seem minor at first, but it can seriously impact your oral and overall health if not treated.

If you’re experiencing persistent dry mouth, don’t ignore it — speak with your dentist or healthcare provider to identify the cause and find the right treatment plan.

A moist mouth is a healthy mouth! Stay hydrated, take care of your oral hygiene, and don’t hesitate to seek help if the dryness persists.

References

Talha B, Swarnkar SA. Xerostomia. [Updated 2023 Mar 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545287/
Kapourani, A., Kontogiannopoulos, K. N., Manioudaki, E., Poulopoulos, A. K., Tsalikis, L., Assimopoulou, A. N., & Barmpalexis, P. (2022). A Review on Xerostomia and Its Various Management Strategies: The Role of Advanced Polymeric Materials in the Treatment Approaches. Polymers, 14(5), 850. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14050850