May is National Dental Care Month in the US, a month designated to focus on the importance of oral health in our overall well-being. As part of a comprehensive dental care plan, regular dentist visits are important; dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to encounter and diagnose a variety of oral health issues, especially xerostomia (also known as dry mouth).

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, resulting in various oral health complications.

Spring, whose approach is typically associated with blue skies and blossoming flowers, can bring with it a feeling of dread for those who suffer from dry mouth. Clinically termed xerostomia, dry mouth is a condition that affects about one-fifth of the global population and can often become worse during seasonal shifts.

As an autoimmune disease that detracts from the body’s ability to produce moisture, Sjögren’s syndrome is one of the most common causes of dry mouth.

Adderall is a common treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but it’s not without side effects. Adderall has been shown to have negative effects on the tongue and mouth, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as “Adderall tongue.” Although not a recognized medical disorder, Adderall tongue bears many similarities to xerostomia, also known as dry mouth.

Mouth taping has been a growing trend over the past few years, promoted especially on TikTok and Instagram. The idea gained pop culture traction with the release of a 2020 book by James Nestor entitled, “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art,” which describes the benefits of nose breathing and recounts the author’s experience of mouth taping. 

Researchers are trying to find a more effective treatment for radiation-induced xerostomia. Current studies are examining gene, cell, and circular RNA therapy.

Dry mouth is a common condition that affects roughly 20% of the population — millions of people — yet it remains widely misunderstood. Myths and misconceptions about its causes, symptoms, and treatments can lead to unnecessary worry or missed opportunities for relief. Whether you’ve heard that dry mouth only happens with aging, or that drinking more water is the ultimate cure, it’s time to separate fact from fiction.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that’s caused when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. During pregnancy, many women experience dry mouth — but not to worry — dry mouth during pregnancy is normal and manageable. Most importantly, it’s usually temporary.