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.

"Dry January" is an annual initiative where people commit to abstaining from alcohol for the entire month of January. It began in the UK and has gained traction as a popular way to start the New Year with good habits. Many people who practice Dry January notice various health improvements in their lives, including improved dry mouth symptoms. This is because alcohol consumption and dry mouth are inherently related. 

Researchers and developers from the IT Center for Science and Technology (CITST) in Romania have created a project called the ACESO platform, a digital initiative designed to enable older and elderly adults to take a proactive part in their oral healthcare, alongside their physicians.

Depression, including seasonal disorders, can impact oral health and subsequently, dry mouth. Neither treatment should come at the expense of the other.

Research has shown that children and adults with ADHD suffer from worse oral health symptoms than those without, including dry mouth.

Blood sugar control is the #1 way to manage dry mouth. The more you can maintain healthy blood sugar levels, the less dry mouth symptoms will impact your life. 

If you’ve been experiencing the sensation of dry mouth that you just can’t shake, drinking water might not be enough. While dry mouth can sometimes be chalked up to dehydration or strenuous activity, when it becomes persistent and worsens over the course of several weeks, drinking a lot of water may not be enough to cure the painful symptoms. You most likely need medical attention and treatment for dry mouth.