What causes dry mouth? That’s the million-dollar question, and for better or worse, there are multiple answers. Dry mouth usually stems from something else, such as treatment for head and neck cancer, medication, autoimmune disease, and more. Polypharmacy, taking multiple medications at the same time, is also a common cause of dry mouth.

Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is a common and often debilitating condition that affects about 20% of the global population. Sjögren’s syndrome is the autoimmune disorder most commonly associated with dry mouth (and dry eyes), but many other autoimmune conditions can also trigger reduced saliva production.

If you wear dentures and struggle with dry mouth, you know the frustrations all too well: shifting and clicking, sore spots from friction, and constant gum irritation. But you’re not alone; more than 50% of the 65+ population wear dentures, and the risk of dry mouth increases with age. 

Many people undergoing treatment for cancer in the head and neck regions may experience dry mouth as a persistent side effect, leading to oral health challenges and difficulties chewing, swallowing, and speaking. In honor of World Cancer Day on February 4, we’re going to discuss the connection between dry mouth and cancer treatments, as well as dry mouth management options to ease some of life’s daily hurdles.

Anyone who struggles with their sugar intake knows that the holiday season presents a singular challenge; the sheer frequency and abundance of meals, rich desserts, and seasonal treats can make it hard to avoid sugar. But if you suffer from xerostomia, minimizing your sugar intake is an important part of symptom management.

Xerostomia affects nearly 20% of the global population and in recent years, has been exacerbated by medications like Ozempic, ADHD treatments, cancer treatments, and aging populations. While medication is a common xerostomia treatment, intraoral electrostimulation via the SaliPen has become another increasingly popular treatment option as well.

Women going through menopause may experience a vast array of symptoms, from hot flashes to achy joints to mood changes. One of the lesser-talked-about side effects of menopause and perimenopause is xerostomia. Studies show that 1 in 3 women going through menopause experience dry mouth (as opposed to the 1 in 5 rate among the general population). 

Most of us know about the dangers of eating too much sugar: increased risk of cavities, diabetes, weight gain, etc. But one lesser-known side effect of sugar is dry mouth. Dry mouth, a condition where the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, might not sound like such a big deal, but it can have a serious impact on oral health and quality of life. For this reason, most oral health specialists recommend avoiding sugary products in addition to clinical treatment via the SaliPen or medication.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common, yet often overlooked, side effect of many medications. Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands malfunction, producing insufficient and/or low-quality saliva. While a lack of saliva might seem like a minor inconvenience, medication-induced dry mouth can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to chew, swallow, and talk, and increasing the risk of dental problems.

From bedtime to waking up in the morning, everyday routines can feel more challenging when you have xerostomia, also known as dry mouth. Xerostomia is a clinical condition in which the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, which results in an uncomfortable feeling of dry mouth. This seemingly innocuous symptom can lead to a host of health problems, from rampant dental caries to loss of taste to sleep disruptions, and more. Xerostomia can also significantly reduce one’s quality of life. That’s why practical management of xerostomia is so important.