Dry mouth

Overview

When you contact your dental practice or Health Board for a dental appointment, you MUST tell them if you have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) OR you are currently self-isolating OR you have possible symptoms.

Dental practices have to comply with social distancing measures so please do not attend without having made an appointment first.

A dry mouth is rarely a sign of anything serious. There are things you can do to help ease it yourself.

What can cause a dry mouth?

• dehydration – for example, from not drinking enough, sweating a lot or being ill
• medicines – check the information leaflet to see if dry mouth is a side effect
• breathing through your mouth at night – this can happen if you have a blocked nose or you sleep with your mouth open
• anxiety
• cancer treatment (radiotherapy or chemotherapy)

Sometimes a dry mouth that doesn't go away may be caused by a condition like diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome.

How to help ease a dry mouth yourself:

• keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and keep some water by your bed at night
• suck on ice cubes
• chew sugar-free gum
• use lip balm if your lips are also dry
• brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
• use an alcohol-free mouthwash at a different time to brushing
• avoid alcohol, caffeine (such as tea and coffee) and fizzy drinks
• avoid food that is acidic (like lemons), spicy, salty or sugary
• consider giving up smoking. You can receive support by calling 0808 252 8216 or visiting www.helpmequit.wales

Do not stop taking prescribed medicine without getting advice from your GP first

A pharmacist can help if you have a dry mouth

Ask a pharmacist about treatments you can buy to help keep your mouth moist.

You can get:

• gels
• sprays
• tablets or lozenges
• decongestants can help to unblock your nose if mouth-breathing causes dry mouth

Are dental practices open if you need advice or treatment?

Yes, dental practices are open during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

If you have a dry mouth, call your dental practice for advice, particularly if:

• your mouth is still dry after trying home or pharmacy treatments for a few weeks
• you have difficulty chewing, swallowing or talking
• your mouth is painful, red or swollen
• you have sore white patches in your mouth
• you think a prescribed medicine might be causing your dry mouth
• you have other symptoms, like needing to urinate a lot or dry eyes

They will carry out remote consultation over the phone/video before seeing you in person in the practice if required.

If you do not have a regular dentist you need to call the appropriate dental helpline number for your Local Health Board area:

https://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/dentistinformation/

Find a dentist near you.