Dry mouth assessment and management
Specialist investigation and treatment of xerostomia - helping you identify the cause, relieve your symptoms, and protect your dental health.
Specialist service: This treatment is provided by Ms. Soudeh Chegini, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, who practises on-site at New Forest Family Dental.
About the condition
What is dry mouth (xerostomia)?
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is the subjective feeling of oral dryness caused by reduced or absent salivary flow. Saliva is essential - it lubricates the mouth, aids digestion, neutralises acids, and protects teeth from decay. When salivary flow is significantly reduced, daily life becomes uncomfortable and dental health can deteriorate.
Dry mouth is surprisingly common, affecting a significant proportion of the population - particularly those taking multiple medications. It is also a common consequence of head and neck radiotherapy and a key feature of Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune conditions.
Ms. Soudeh Chegini offers specialist assessment to identify the cause, quantify the degree of dysfunction, and build a practical management plan that addresses both your symptoms and the dental risks associated with reduced salivary flow.
Our approach
Comprehensive, personalised management.
Identify the cause
Dry mouth can result from medications, systemic conditions, radiotherapy, or dehydration. Accurate diagnosis guides the right management.
Medication review
Many common medications cause dry mouth as a side effect. We liaise with your GP or prescriber to review whether alternatives may help.
Protect your teeth
Saliva is essential for tooth protection. We provide advice and products to minimise the dental consequences of reduced salivary flow.
Symptom relief
We recommend evidence-based saliva substitutes, stimulants, and lubricants to relieve dryness and improve your comfort.
Management plan
We build a practical, personalised plan to manage your dry mouth day-to-day, tailored to its cause and severity.
Specialist oversight
For complex cases such as Sjögren's syndrome or post-radiotherapy xerostomia, specialist-led management makes a significant difference.
Your appointment
What to expect from your assessment.
- 1
Consultation
Ms. Chegini takes a thorough history of your dry mouth symptoms, your medical conditions, and a full medication list.
- 2
Salivary assessment
We may assess your salivary flow rate using a simple clinical test to quantify the degree of reduction.
- 3
Clinical examination
We examine your oral mucosa, tongue, and major salivary glands for signs of mucosal dryness, inflammation, or gland pathology.
- 4
Further investigations
Blood tests, labial gland biopsy, or imaging may be arranged to investigate for underlying systemic causes such as Sjögren's syndrome.
- 5
Management plan
We recommend appropriate saliva stimulants, substitutes, and dental preventive measures, and advise on dietary and lifestyle modifications.
- 6
Follow-up
We review your response to management, adjust recommendations as needed, and monitor for any complications such as increased dental decay.
Who is it for?
Common causes we assess.
This service is appropriate if you have dry mouth related to:
- Medication-related dry mouth (very common)
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Post-radiotherapy to head and neck
- Ageing-related reduced salivary function
- Mouth breathing
- Systemic conditions affecting salivary glands
- Anxiety or stress-related dry mouth
- Unexplained persistent dry mouth
Start feeling better
Book a specialist assessment
Effective management of dry mouth starts with an accurate diagnosis. Book a consultation with Ms. Chegini today.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Why do I have a dry mouth?
The most common cause is medication side effects - hundreds of commonly prescribed drugs can reduce salivary flow. Other causes include systemic conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, previous radiotherapy to the head and neck, dehydration, and mouth breathing.
Is dry mouth harmful to my teeth?
Yes. Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from decay, neutralising acids, and preventing infections. Persistent dry mouth significantly increases the risk of dental decay and oral infections. We work to minimise these consequences with preventive measures.
Are there effective treatments?
Yes. For medication-related dry mouth, a review of your prescriptions may help. Saliva stimulants (such as chewing sugar-free gum), saliva substitutes, and prescribed medications can all improve symptoms considerably. We'll recommend the most appropriate options for your situation.
Can I manage dry mouth at home?
Yes - sipping water frequently, using sugar-free chewing gum or pastilles, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and using a humidifier at night can all help. However, a specialist assessment is valuable to identify any treatable underlying cause.
Ready to meet your new dental team?
Same-day appointments available · Denplan members welcome