Leer este artículo en español →

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) in Gibraltar

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, happens when the mouth does not produce enough saliva. It can cause discomfort, but it can also affect the health of your teeth and gums if it continues for a long period of time.

Saliva plays an important role in keeping the mouth healthy. It keeps oral tissues moist, helps us speak, chew and swallow comfortably, and helps control bacteria and acids in the mouth.

When saliva production is reduced, the risk of problems such as tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease can increase.

What causes dry mouth?

Dry mouth is not usually a disease by itself. It can be caused by a number of different factors.

• Certain medications, including some medicines used to control blood pressure
• Stress, anxiety or depression
• Diabetes and other systemic conditions
• Smoking or regular alcohol consumption
• Radiotherapy to the head or neck
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Dehydration
• Speaking for long periods

Diabetes can also affect oral health in several ways, including changes in saliva production. You can learn more about this relationship in our article on diabetes and oral health .

Types of xerostomia

Xerostomia can generally be described as reversible or irreversible depending on the cause and the activity of the salivary glands.

Reversible xerostomia

Reversible dry mouth is often associated with factors such as medication, smoking, dehydration or lifestyle. When the underlying cause can be identified and addressed, saliva production may improve.

Irreversible xerostomia

In some cases, the salivary glands may have been permanently affected. This can occur following high doses of radiotherapy to the head or neck or in people with conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome.

How can dry mouth affect your teeth and gums?

Reduced saliva can change the balance of bacteria inside the mouth. Over time, this can increase the risk of cavities, inflammation of the gums, bad breath and other oral health problems.

This makes good daily oral hygiene particularly important for people who regularly experience dry mouth.

Regular dental examinations and professional Scale and Polish cleaning can also help control plaque and protect the teeth and gums when natural saliva protection is reduced.

Managing xerostomia

The most appropriate way to manage dry mouth depends on what is causing it. Identifying the underlying reason is therefore an important first step.

Where medication may be contributing to dry mouth, this should be discussed with the doctor who prescribed it. Medication should not be stopped or changed without medical advice.

Depending on the cause, measures that may help include drinking water regularly, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, using products designed to keep the mouth moist and maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

How is dry mouth assessed?

If dry mouth is persistent, a dentist can examine the mouth and look for signs that reduced saliva is affecting the teeth, gums or oral tissues.

In some circumstances, further investigation may be required. Tests such as sialometry can measure saliva production, while other investigations may be used when a salivary gland disorder is suspected.

Your dentist can also advise whether the problem should be investigated further by your doctor or another healthcare professional.