Managing Dry Mouth: A Common Dental Issue for Diabetics

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Tom Babu, Medical Director, Consultant Diabetologist & Endocrinologist - Written by Jasni Salim - Updated on 08/07/2024

Dry mouth which is also called xerostomia is the condition when you do not have enough saliva in your mouth. It can be a sign of high blood sugar in people with diabetes or other health problems. Dry mouth can lead to gum disease and mouth infections. People with diabetes should visit the dentist regularly and change their habits to keep their mouth healthy and prevent dry mouth.

Is Dry Mouth a Symptom of Diabetes?

Dry mouth is a common symptom of high blood sugar found in people with diabetes. Sometimes, dry mouth might be the first noticeable sign of diabetes. If you have a dry mouth and think that you might have diabetes, then it is time to talk to your doctor.

What is it Like to Always Have a Dry Mouth?

Everyone might get diabetes and dry mouth sometimes. But if your mouth stays dry for a long time, you might feel or notice the following:

• Bad breath even after brushing your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Cracked, chapped lips
• Mouth sores
• Pain or a burning feeling in your mouth or throat
• New or wider gaps between teeth
• Sticky, thick, or stringy saliva
• Rough tongue
• Trouble chewing, swallowing, or talking

Common Causes of Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

High blood sugar often causes dry mouth, but it can also happen for other reasons such as:

• Nerve damage affecting salivary glands
• Dehydration
• Dialysis for kidney disease
• Other diseases like HIV, AIDS, and Sjögren’s syndrome
• Breathing through your mouth often
• Smoking
• Certain medications (such as those for cancer, high blood pressure, depression, and bladder problems)
• Stress

How is Diabetes and Dry Mouth Treated?

The best way to treat dry mouth with diabetes is to address its cause. If high blood sugar is the reason, you and your doctor can find ways to control your blood sugar. If a medication is causing dry mouth, you can ask your doctor about stopping, changing, or lowering the dose of the medication. Your doctor might also suggest a saliva substitute like sorbitol.

How Can You Treat Dry Mouth at Home?

Have a look at some ways to reduce dry mouth which are as follows.

• Use lip balm
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy to make more saliva
• Drink water regularly throughout the day
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep

Tips to Prevent Dry Mouth with Diabetes

To avoid dry mouth from high blood sugar, work with your healthcare team to create a diabetes plan that suits you. Check out the ways below to help keep your blood sugar on track:

Drink Water and Use Sugar-free Products

To help with dry mouth, a simple and effective method is to drink water and use sugar-free foods. Drinking water when your mouth feels dry will not only prevent dehydration but also help wash away food bits and balance acidity. Sugar-free gum and candies will stimulate saliva production when you chew them. You can try sugar-free gum next time when you have a dry mouth.

Tip: Sugar-free products are safe for your teeth and have less impact on blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.

Use a Humidifier

If you have a dry mouth especially at night, using a humidifier might help a lot. Humidifiers add moisture to the air which reduces dry mouth symptoms and discomfort. Keep a glass of water next to your bed or desk for added relief.

Manage Your Diabetes

Your diet affects dry mouth through its impact on blood sugar levels. When you eat, your blood sugar rises. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels will lead to dehydration and dry mouth. Properly managing your diabetes especially with a healthy diet will directly help with dry mouth.

Tip: If you are struggling to manage diabetes symptoms, talk to your doctor or dietitian for advice.

Regular Dental Checkups

A dry mouth will lead to dental problems especially for people with diabetes. Regular visits to the dentist will prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues related to dry mouth. Dentists can recommend ways to manage dry mouth and help you prevent future problems.

Tip: Do not hesitate to use multiple approaches to tackle dry mouth effectively. Remember, treating dry mouth symptoms is important but addressing the root causes is essential.

These tips are helpful to ease the discomfort of dry mouth. Do not hesitate to try more than one method for better results. Remember, treating dry mouth symptoms is important, but it is also crucial to address the underlying causes. If you are finding it hard to manage your symptoms, it is wise to consult with a healthcare professional. By following these tips, you can effectively relieve diabetes and dry mouth and prevent dental issues in the future.

When Should You Call the Healthcare Provider for Your Xerostomia?

A dry mouth could be an early sign of diabetes. If you have a dry mouth, you should tell your doctor at your next appointment. If you have diabetes and notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment sooner with your doctor:

• Bleeding from your teeth or mouth
• Mouth pain
• Loose teeth
• Sores in your mouth
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or talking

Conclusion

Dry mouth is quite common in people with diabetes and high blood sugar. Persistent dry mouth can lead to issues like gum disease and infections. Thus, it is crucial to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider and keep your mouth clean and healthy.

You can visit Silverline Hospital,the best diabetes hospital in Kerala for your diabetes and dry mouth. We offer high-quality care for diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other endocrine problems. Thus, our doctors will also give you the right solution for your dry mouth related to diabetes. Our dedicated team of diabetologists in Kochi is focused on providing excellent care. We are always working to become India's leading diabetes hospital. We treat diabetes with a holistic approach, not just with medicines or insulin injections. We believe in offering full support to help our patients live healthy lives. Our diabetes care doctors in Kerala provide personalized treatments for each patient.