Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a condition where your mouth does not produce enough saliva to keep the tissues moist. Saliva is far more important than many people realise—it lubricates the mouth, protects teeth, neutralises acids, helps digestion, supports speech, and prevents infections.
When saliva production decreases, everyday activities such as eating, swallowing, speaking, or even wearing dentures can become uncomfortable. Persistent dry mouth also increases the risk of:
Dry mouth is extremely common, especially in older adults and people taking multiple medications.
Dry mouth can occur for many different reasons. Identifying the underlying cause is often the first step towards effective treatment.
Hundreds of medicines can reduce saliva production, including:
People taking several medicines are at greater risk of developing xerostomia.
Dry mouth may be associated with:
Radiotherapy to the head and neck can permanently damage the salivary glands.
Chemotherapy may also temporarily reduce saliva production. (Wikipedia)
Not drinking enough fluids or losing excessive fluids through:
can all contribute to dry mouth.
You may also experience dry mouth due to:
You may have xerostomia if you experience:
Saliva performs many vital functions, including:
Without adequate saliva, oral health can deteriorate quickly.
Alongside treating any underlying cause, these self-care measures can make a significant difference:
Dock Pharmacy stocks a comprehensive range of specialist products designed to moisturise the mouth, protect teeth, and improve comfort for people living with dry mouth. (Dock Pharmacy)
Ideal for daily symptom relief.
Products include:
Best for:
Designed to moisturise and protect oral tissues.
Available products include:
Suitable for:
A saliva substitute that lubricates the mouth and helps relieve dryness.
Available as:
Ideal for:
Provides temporary lubrication when natural saliva production is reduced.
Available in:
Often recommended for:
Provides convenient on-the-go moisture whenever symptoms occur.
Ideal for:
Designed to stimulate saliva production while soothing a dry mouth.
Available as:
Excellent for:
These tablets help encourage your own saliva production where some gland function remains.
Designed primarily for painful oral conditions while also providing lubrication and protection for sensitive mouth tissues.
| Symptom | Recommended Product |
|---|---|
| Mild dry mouth | Biotene Mouthwash |
| Night-time dryness | Biotene Gel or BioXtra Gel |
| Severe dry mouth | Glandosane Spray |
| Medication-related dry mouth | Saliva Orthana Spray |
| Dry mouth while travelling | Saliveze Spray |
| Need saliva stimulation | Salivix Pastilles or SST Tablets |
| Sensitive mouth | BioXtra Range |
Although occasional dry mouth is common, persistent symptoms should never be ignored.
Arrange a medical review if:
Your GP, pharmacist, or dentist can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Dock Pharmacy is a trusted GPhC-registered UK pharmacy committed to providing expert advice and high-quality oral healthcare products.
When you shop with Dock Pharmacy, you benefit from:
Explore the full dry mouth range here:
Shop Dry Mouth Sprays, Gels, Mouthwashes, Toothpastes and Saliva Replacement Products at Dock Pharmacy. Dock Pharmacy Dry Mouth Collection
Using a specialist saliva substitute such as a spray or gel, sipping water regularly, and avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes can provide quick relief.
The most common causes include medications, dehydration, diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, radiotherapy, smoking, alcohol, and ageing.
Popular options include Biotene, BioXtra, Saliva Orthana, Glandosane, Saliveze, and Salivix products, depending on the severity and cause of your symptoms. (Dock Pharmacy)
Yes. Saliva protects teeth from acid and bacteria. Persistent dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
It can be. Persistent dry mouth may be associated with diabetes and should be discussed with your healthcare professional.
Yes. Hundreds of commonly prescribed medicines list dry mouth as a side effect, including antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, and bladder medications.
Many people benefit from toothpastes specifically formulated for dry mouth, as they are gentler and help maintain moisture.
Seek medical advice if symptoms are persistent, severe, interfere with eating or speaking, or are accompanied by mouth ulcers, recurrent infections, or difficulty swallowing.
Dry mouth is more than an inconvenience—it can affect your oral health, nutrition, sleep, and quality of life. Fortunately, a combination of good hydration, excellent oral hygiene, and specialist dry mouth products can significantly improve comfort and help protect your teeth and gums.
Whether you need a saliva replacement spray, moisturising gel, specialised toothpaste, or mouthwash, Dock Pharmacy offers a comprehensive range of trusted dry mouth solutions to help you manage xerostomia effectively.
+44 (0) 1375 846 316
