Overview
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of dry mouth, a healthcare professional begins by reviewing your medical history and the medications you are taking, including both prescription and over-the-counter products. A careful examination of your mouth is also performed to assess moisture levels and overall oral health.
In some cases, additional tests may be recommended to identify the underlying cause. These may include:
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Blood tests to check for autoimmune conditions or other health problems.
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Imaging scans of the salivary glands to detect blockages or structural abnormalities.
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Saliva flow tests to measure how much saliva your glands produce.
If your healthcare professional suspects Sjögren syndrome, a lip biopsy may be performed. In this procedure, a small sample of salivary gland tissue is taken from your inner lip and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for dry mouth focuses on addressing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms to improve comfort and oral health. The approach your healthcare professional recommends will depend on the specific reason for your dry mouth.
Changing medicines
If a medication is identified as the cause, your healthcare professional may adjust the dosage or prescribe an alternative that has fewer side effects.
Moisturizing and lubricating products
To ease dryness and protect oral tissues, your healthcare professional may suggest:
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Mouth rinses or saliva substitutes designed specifically for dry mouth
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Artificial saliva sprays or gels
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Moisturizing mouthwashes that contain xylitol, such as Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse or Act Dry Mouth Mouthwash
These products can help keep your mouth comfortable and support better oral hygiene.
Stimulating saliva production
If your mouth is extremely dry due to Sjögren syndrome or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, prescription medications may help stimulate saliva production. Common options include:
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Pilocarpine (Salagen) to increase saliva flow
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Cevimeline (Evoxac) for those with Sjögren syndrome
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