Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): What It Is and How to Ease It

If your tongue feels sticky or you keep needing water, you’re probably dealing with dry mouth. It’s more than an annoying feeling – it can affect speech, taste and even dental health. The good news? Most of the time you can figure out why it’s happening and take simple steps to feel better.

Why Your Mouth Gets Dry

The most common trigger is medication. Antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure pills and many over‑the‑counter cough syrups lower saliva production as a side effect. If you’ve started a new drug recently, check the label or ask your pharmacist whether dry mouth is listed.

Health conditions also play a big role. Diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease and even anxiety can reduce saliva flow. Dehydration from not drinking enough water, excessive coffee or alcohol, and breathing through the mouth while you sleep are other everyday culprits.

Sometimes it’s just a habit. Mouth‑breathing during workouts or when your nose is congested dries out the oral tissues quickly. Even smoking or chewing tobacco can irritate salivary glands and make the problem worse.

Easy Ways to Relieve Dry Mouth

Start with hydration. Sip water throughout the day instead of gulping large amounts at once. A good rule is to aim for eight glasses, but if you’re active or live in a hot climate, add more.

Chewing sugar‑free gum or sucking on lozenges stimulates saliva without adding sugar that feeds bacteria. Look for products with xylitol – it also helps protect teeth.

Avoid alcohol‑based mouthwashes and replace them with alcohol‑free versions or simple rinses of warm salt water. These are less drying and can soothe irritation.

Humidify the air in your bedroom, especially if you breathe through your mouth at night. A small humidifier adds moisture to the room and reduces that dry‑mouth feeling in the morning.

If medication is the cause, talk to your doctor about alternatives or dosage adjustments. Never stop a prescription on your own, but a quick conversation can lead to a switch that eases the symptom.

Finally, keep up with dental care. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. Dry mouth increases plaque buildup, so regular clean‑ups help prevent cavities and gum disease.

Dry mouth is manageable once you know what’s behind it and how to counteract it. Try a couple of these tips today, and you’ll notice less stickiness, better taste and a healthier smile in no time.