How to Stop Dry Mouth Caused by Diabetes
Dry mouth is a common symptom in people with diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar in your target range treats the most common cause. While you work on that with your physician, the steps below can ease the dryness and protect your teeth. If the dryness lasts for weeks, have it evaluated, because medications and other conditions can cause it too.
Why does diabetes cause dry mouth?
Dry mouth, called xerostomia, can affect people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Several things contribute.
High blood glucose. When blood sugar runs high, the kidneys clear extra glucose in the urine and take water with it. That leaves you dehydrated, with less fluid for saliva.
Less saliva. Studies comparing people with and without diabetes generally find more dry-mouth complaints and lower saliva flow in people with diabetes, although the research quality is mixed. [1]
Medications. Many medicines commonly taken alongside diabetes treatment, including some for blood pressure and depression, list dry mouth as a side effect.
Nerve changes. Diabetic neuropathy may affect the nerves that control the salivary glands.
What does diabetic dry mouth feel like?
A sticky, dry mouth and frequent thirst
Bad breath
Cracked lips, especially at the corners
A dry, rough or burning tongue
A sore throat or hoarse voice
Trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking
Mouth sores or a yeast infection such as thrush
Why does dry mouth matter for your teeth?
Saliva neutralizes acid, washes away food and keeps bacteria and yeast in check. With less of it, cavities can develop faster, especially along the gumline, and gum disease and thrush become more likely. [2] Gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control, so managing dry mouth protects more than your teeth.
How to get rid of dry mouth from diabetes: 9 steps
Keep your blood sugar in your target range. This treats the cause rather than the symptom.
Sip water through the day and keep a glass by your bed.
Chew sugar-free gum or use sugar-free lozenges to stimulate saliva. Xylitol products are a reasonable choice.
Use a saliva substitute or a moisturizing gel, spray or rinse made for dry mouth, especially before bed.
Switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash. Alcohol-based rinses can make dryness worse.
Cut back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, which can all reduce saliva.
Run a humidifier at night and breathe through your nose when you can.
Protect your teeth with fluoride. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and ask your dentist whether a prescription-strength fluoride makes sense for you. We review diabetes and medications at every comprehensive dental exam. Read more about dental care with diabetes.
Ask your physician to review your medications. A different drug or dose sometimes helps. Never stop or change a medication on your own.
Why is dry mouth worse at night?
Saliva flow naturally drops during sleep, so dryness is usually worst overnight and first thing in the morning. A moisturizing gel at bedtime, a humidifier and water within reach help most. If you snore or wake with a very dry mouth every day, tell your physician. Mouth breathing and sleep apnea are both common in people with diabetes and are worth checking.
When should you see a dentist about dry mouth?
See a dentist if dryness lasts more than a few weeks, or if you notice new cavities, a burning feeling, white patches or sores that don't heal. Prescription medicines that stimulate saliva, such as pilocarpine and cevimeline, are approved for dry mouth from specific causes like Sjögren's disease or radiation treatment. They are not right for everyone, and some health conditions rule them out, so your physician and dentist would weigh them for your situation. [3]
In our Jacksonville office, I treat dry mouth as something to diagnose rather than just cover up. Saliva, medications, diet and your cavity history all go into the plan. Learn more about dry mouth evaluation and treatment, or call 904-398-1549.
Sources
López-Pintor RM, et al. Xerostomia, hyposalivation, and salivary flow in diabetes patients. J Diabetes Res. 2016;2016:4372852. doi:10.1155/2016/4372852 (retrieved via PubMed)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes, gum disease and other dental problems. Last reviewed January 2022.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry mouth.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville who evaluates dry mouth and cares for patients whose medical conditions or treatments affect their teeth. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.