Dry Mouth: Causes, Remedies, and Medications That Cause It

When your mouth feels constantly parched, even after drinking water, you’re dealing with dry mouth, a condition where your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Also known as xerostomia, it’s not just discomfort—it’s a warning sign that something in your body or meds is off. Saliva does more than help you swallow—it fights cavities, neutralizes acids, and keeps your mouth clean. Without it, you’re at higher risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and even trouble tasting food.

Dry mouth often shows up because of medication side effects, a common issue with antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, and pain relievers. If you take more than one pill a day, especially as you get older, you’re stacking up risks. Some meds don’t just cause dry mouth—they make it worse by reducing saliva flow over time. dehydration, a simple but often overlooked trigger can make it worse fast. Skip water for a few hours, drink too much coffee or alcohol, or breathe through your mouth while sleeping, and your saliva dries up even more.

It’s not just about drinking more water. You need to know what’s stealing your saliva. saliva production, a process controlled by nerves and hormones can be damaged by radiation therapy, autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, or even stress. Some people notice dry mouth only in the morning—others feel it all day. It’s not always the same cause. And if you’re ignoring it, you’re letting your teeth pay the price. Cavities can sneak in fast when saliva isn’t there to wash away sugar and acid.

Fixing dry mouth isn’t about one magic solution. It’s about spotting the trigger, adjusting habits, and knowing when to talk to your doctor. Maybe your blood pressure med is the culprit. Maybe you’re not drinking enough. Maybe your breathing pattern while sleeping is the real problem. The good news? Most cases get better once you know what’s causing them. You don’t need fancy sprays or expensive gums—though some help. Simple changes like chewing sugar-free gum, using a humidifier at night, or switching meds under your doctor’s care can make a real difference.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides from people who’ve been there. Some learned how their antidepressant was drying them out. Others found out their daily antihistamine was wrecking their oral health. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and how to spot the hidden causes before they turn into bigger problems. This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your teeth, your taste, and your health.