The Top 15 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Xerostomia
Dry mouth, clinically termed “xerostomia,” is a common condition that affects roughly 20% of the global population. While not life-threatening, chronic dry mouth can significantly lower your quality of life. That’s why learning as much as possible about the condition is important — the more you know, the better equipped you will be to reach an effective dry mouth treatment plan with your healthcare team.
As a company that sells the SaliPen, an electrostimulation device for dry mouth treatment, we receive a lot of general questions about xerostomia. Below are some of the most common questions, along with answers.
- What are the most common causes of dry mouth?
The most common causes of dry mouth are:
- Medication: Antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, antihypertensives, and others commonly result in dry mouth as a side effect.
- Polypharmacy: Taking more than one medication at a time (polypharmacy), even if dry mouth is not listed as a symptom, increases the risk of dry mouth.
- Disease: Medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and others can cause dry mouth.
- Radiation treatment for cancer in the head and neck regions.
- Dehydration is a common cause of temporary dry mouth, which can usually be remedied by the intake of more fluids.
- Can Botox cause dry mouth?
Yes, Botox can cause dry mouth, whether used for cosmetic procedures near the mouth or jaw, or for medical treatments like TMJ or chronic migraines. However, Botox-induced dry mouth typically goes away within a few days or a week. If it persists for more than a week, consult your medical provider to see if intervention is necessary.
- Does Levothyroxine cause dry mouth?
Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), can sometimes cause dry mouth as a side effect. When this happens, adjusting the dose or changing the combination of medications may reduce the side effect.
- What is the relationship between thyroid disorders and dry mouth?
Thyroid disorders are often linked with dry mouth. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause changes in salivary gland function, causing the glands to produce less saliva or low-quality saliva. Additionally, medication to treat hypothyroidism (Levothyroxine) can sometimes cause dry mouth. Finally, autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s can overlap with conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, which directly impacts moisture production.
- Is water a miracle cure for dry mouth, or just a temporary fix?
There is no miracle cure for dry mouth. There are, however, medical treatments and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms. Drinking water is the most common, easy lifestyle change to implement, as it ensures the body has enough fluid, which is essential for saliva production.
Water itself is devoid of the substances present in saliva, i.e. those essential to moisten and lubricate the mouth and fight cavities and other oral diseases. Those substances are mainly minerals (such as calcium and phosphate) and proteins (such as immunoglobulins and enzymes). Only natural saliva carries these vital substances to the mouth. When it is lacking, natural saliva can be generated using an electrostimulating device, such as Salipen.
- How can I prevent dry mouth at night?
At night, the body naturally produces less saliva, which can cause a worsening of dry mouth symptoms. To prevent this, use a humidifier and breathe through your nose (not your mouth). Nose breathing has many benefits, including preventing the mouth from drying out at night.
- Are there natural remedies for dry mouth?
Information about natural remedies for dry mouth is typically anecdotal, although you can discuss options with your healthcare provider. Research has shown that there are several lifestyle changes that can positively impact dry mouth symptoms, including drinking a lot of water, breathing through your nose, using a humidifier at night, and OTC remedies like sugar-free gum or lozenges, gels, sprays, and mouthwashes.
- Is electrostimulation with a device like the SaliPen a safe and effective dry mouth treatment?
The SaliPen delivers barely-felt electrical impulses to the oral cavity, stimulating the salivary glands to produce more saliva. The SaliPen has received FDA approval and is considered a safe and effective dry mouth treatment, with zero pharmacological side effects.
- What’s the best over-the-counter product for treating dry mouth?
There is no “best” OTC dry mouth treatment product. The condition presents differently in different people, and every person’s medical history and background are different. In other words, there is no cookie-cutter solution for everyone. However, there are several effective OTC products for dry mouth treatment — the goal is to find the one that works best for you.
Popular OTC dry mouth remedies include gel, lozenges, mouthwash, spray, and gum — generally sugar-free and alcohol-free.
- Which type of medical professional should I see about my dry mouth symptoms?
Specialists in Oral Medicine and/or Pathology are the most relevant healthcare professionals to effectively diagnose and treat dry mouth. Sometimes, dentists can identify dry mouth during routine exams, as can primary care physicians, endocrinologists, ENTs, and others. If you are under the care of several healthcare professionals, it’s important to keep each apprised of the other’s treatment plan.
- Is dry mouth simply a normal part of aging?
No, dry mouth is not necessarily a natural part of aging. However, the causes of dry mouth often increase with age — the need for medications, multiple medications, disease, injury, etc.
- What happens if dry mouth goes untreated?
Dry mouth isn’t a life-threatening condition, so if you don’t treat it, you’re not in immediate danger. However, dry mouth can significantly lower your quality of life, as it makes it difficult to chew, swallow, and speak, and it greatly increases oral health problems such as cavities, infections, and gum disease.
- Can anxiety or stress cause dry mouth?
Yes, stress and anxiety can cause dry mouth by impacting the salivary flow rate. Additionally, some medications for anxiety cause dry mouth as a side effect.
- Can cutting out caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine cure dry mouth?
Cutting out the above substances won’t cure dry mouth, but it can alleviate dry mouth symptoms. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and drain the body of fluids, which means that the salivary glands will have less available material with which to create saliva. Nicotine products disrupt the salivary flow and cause a variety of health problems, so cutting down is good for managing dry mouth and general health.
- Can dry mouth be cured permanently?
Dry mouth is typically treatable, but not curable, unless the underlying condition can be cured. However, as of now, there is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, some of the major culprits behind dry mouth. Similarly, damage to salivary glands from radiation treatment or thyroid disease may not be reversible. Medication-induced dry mouth can be managed, either by changing medications or dosages, which may result in the disappearance of dry mouth sy
While a “cure” might be hard to come by, there are many viable dry mouth treatment options, including electrostimulation, medication, and artificial saliva. As dry mouth affects every person differently, speak with your healthcare provider to achieve the right treatment plan for you. Dry mouth treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge
It might be cliche, but knowledge really is power! Learning about dry mouth is the first step toward managing it effectively. The more you understand its causes, treatment options, and everyday coping strategies, the better your chances of finding consistent relief. With the right knowledge and support, it’s entirely possible to regain comfort and maintain a normal, healthy lifestyle.
