Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and What You Can Do

When your mouth feels like cotton, you’re not just thirsty—you’re experiencing dry mouth, a condition where saliva production drops, making chewing, swallowing, and even speaking difficult. Also known as xerostomia, it’s not a disease itself, but a warning sign that something in your body is off. Millions take medications daily that silently reduce saliva flow, and many don’t realize their constant thirst or sticky tongue is a side effect, not just bad luck.

Medication side effects, are one of the most common causes of dry mouth. Antidepressants, blood pressure drugs like lisinopril-HCTZ, antihistamines, and even some pain relievers can slash saliva production. If you’ve started a new pill and your mouth feels dry, it’s not in your head—it’s likely the drug. Dehydration, another major trigger, makes it worse, especially if you’re on diuretics or not drinking enough. And if you’re older, your salivary glands naturally slow down, making dry mouth more likely even without meds.

Oral health, suffers fast when saliva dries up. Saliva doesn’t just moisten your mouth—it washes away food, neutralizes acids, and fights bacteria. Without it, you’re at higher risk for cavities, gum disease, and mouth infections. That’s why people with chronic dry mouth often end up with more dental visits, not fewer. It’s not just discomfort—it’s a slow-burning threat to your teeth and gums.

You don’t have to live with it. Simple fixes—sipping water, chewing sugar-free gum, using a humidifier at night—help a lot. But if your dry mouth started after a new prescription, talk to your doctor. Sometimes switching meds or adjusting the dose makes all the difference. And if you’re using supplements or herbal products, check for hidden interactions. Green tea extract, for example, can affect how your body handles certain drugs and may worsen dryness. This isn’t about guessing. It’s about connecting the dots between what you take and how your body responds.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how medications, diet, and daily habits influence dry mouth—not just theory, but what people actually do to feel better. Whether you’re on blood pressure meds, managing kidney disease, or just wondering why your throat feels glued shut, there’s something here that applies to you.