Management of dry mouth

For management of dry mouth in patients receiving palliative care, see here.

Encourage patients to have a dental review and any necessary dental treatment before starting a drug that can cause dry mouth.

Review the patient’s medications and, in conjunction with the prescriber, stop any non-essential medications that can cause a dry mouth.

Management strategies for patients with dry mouth include:

Options for the symptomatic relief of dry mouth include:

  • artificial salivary products or other oral lubricants (eg bicarbonate mouthwash) (however, effects may be too transient to be of significant benefit)
  • products that stimulate saliva, such as throat lozenges or chewing gum (however, many products are acidic or have a high sugar content, which can cause further tooth decay).
Practical advice for patients with dry mouth outlines nonpharmacological advice for patients with dry mouth.

If symptomatic measures are inadequate, or if dry mouth is a symptom of systemic disease, refer patients to an appropriate specialist.

Figure 1. Practical advice for patients with dry mouth.

Patient information sheet

To manage your dry mouth:

  • ensure you are adequately hydrated—drink at least 1.5 litres of tap water a day
  • chew food thoroughly before swallowing because chewing stimulates saliva flow
  • chew sugarless gum or suck sugarless sweets (avoid fruit flavours)
  • avoid smoking cigarettes
  • avoid acidic foods
  • limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening
    • add milk to tea or coffee to reduce the drying effect
  • avoid mouthwashes and other oral preparations that contain alcohol
  • trial various over-the-counter dry mouth products or bicarbonate mouthwash
    • a bicarbonate mouthwash can be made by adding half a teaspoon of bicarbonate powder to a glass of warm water. Rinse with mouthwash on waking and at any time during the day.

To prevent oral and dental consequences of dry mouth:

  • ensure you have good oral hygiene
  • have regular dental examinations
  • avoid acidic beverages (eg wine, fruit juices, soft drinks, sports drinks) or limit their consumption to meal times
  • limit your sugar intake and avoid sugary snacks.