Conditions · Dry mouth
Dry mouth
Managing a dry mouth — comfort, and protecting your teeth.
A dry mouth can feel raw and sore, and it raises your risk of tooth decay because you have less saliva to wash away food and neutralise acid. Here is how to manage the risk and stay comfortable.
Why a dry mouth matters
Saliva protects your teeth by washing away food and bacteria and neutralising plaque acid. With a dry mouth those protections are reduced, raising your decay risk. Stale food and bacteria can also cause a bad taste and bad breath, and less lubrication can make eating, swallowing and speaking harder and lead to more cuts, grazes and ulcers.
Manage your risk of tooth decay
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste of at least 1400ppm — your dentist may prescribe a higher-fluoride one.
- Use an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash twice a day, at a separate time to brushing.
- Keep sugary drinks and snacks to mealtimes rather than between them.
Keep your mouth comfortable
- Sip plain, still, sugar-free water through the day, with meals, and keep some by your bed.
- Suck (don’t crunch) ice cubes or sugar-free ice lollies; chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free mints.
- Use a lip balm if your lips are dry.
- Ask a pharmacist about dry-mouth products — moisturising gels, sprays, tablets and lozenges. Widely used ones include Xylimelts (adhering discs), Biotene dry-mouth spray and mouthwash, and Oralieve dry-mouth gel.
- Cut down on things that dry you out — alcohol, caffeine (including tea and coffee) and acidic foods and drinks — and don’t smoke.
See your dentist
Book a check-up if a dry mouth is new to you or you haven’t discussed it before. People with a dry mouth are usually advised to have a check-up every 3–6 months, and your dentist may refer you for further investigation.
Text and further advice adapted from dentalchoices.org.
Watch
See how to manage a dry mouth
A short film on why saliva matters, and the simple steps that keep a dry mouth comfortable and lower your decay risk.
Common questions
Dry mouth — your questions answered
Why does a dry mouth cause tooth decay?
Less saliva means less washing-away of food and less neutralising of plaque acid, so teeth are more exposed to decay.
How do I lower my decay risk?
Use a fluoride toothpaste (≥1400ppm), an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash at a separate time, and keep sugar to mealtimes.
How can I make my mouth more comfortable?
Sip water often, use sugar-free gum or mints, lip balm, and dry-mouth products like Xylimelts, Biotene or Oralieve.
What should I avoid?
Alcohol, caffeine and acidic drinks can dry you out further — and don’t smoke.
How often should I see the dentist?
People with a dry mouth are usually advised to have a check-up every 3–6 months.
Protect a dry mouth
Fluoride, frequent sips and the right products keep you comfortable and lower your decay risk.