In many cases, dry mouth (xerostomia) does not require immediate medical care. Patients can typically find relief by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to avoid dehydration. People should consume a minimum of six to eight 8-ounce servings of water throughout the day.
  
  In addition, patients with dry mouth should sip water or a sugarless drink during meals, which can make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also help improve the taste of food.
  
  
• Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candy. This can stimulate the flow of saliva and restore moisture to the mouth. And because these do not contain sugar, they do not increase the risk of tooth decay. However, lemon-flavored candies should be avoided because these can increase the acidity of saliva, which increases the risk of tooth decay, especially in patients with dry mouth.
  
  
• Using saliva substitutes. These over-the-counter products are available in gel and spray forms. They mimic some of the properties of saliva and can restore moisture to the mouth.
  
  
• Avoiding or reducing intake of caffeine. This stimulant and diuretic can be found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate and some over-the-counter drugs. Excessive consumption can contribute to dehydration, which can lead to dry mouth.
  
  
• Avoiding spicy foods, which can irritate a dry mouth.
  
  
• Avoiding cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. These can cause and/or exacerbate xerostomia.
  
  
• Breathing through the nose, instead of the mouth.
  
  
• Using a room humidifier (a device that increases the amount of moisture in the air), especially at night. This is particularly recommended for people who snore or live in dry, arid climates.

If dry mouth persists or worsens after trying these methods, patients should contact a physician or dentist to avoid complications such as tooth decay. To determine the cause of dry mouth, a physician or dentist will examine the patient’s mouth and review their medical history. Tests such as blood tests and imaging tests may also be performed.

Some causes of dry mouth require medical attention and prescription medications. For instance, if dry mouth is caused by the use of certain medications (e.g., antispasmodics), a physician may change the medication or adjust its dosage. If the salivary glands are not functioning properly, a physician may prescribe medications to stimulate the glands to produce more saliva. Other causes of dry mouth, such as abnormal growths (e.g., stones, tumors) in the salivary glands, may require surgical treatment.