We likely all know what it’s like to have a dry mouth on occasion. Perhaps on a hot summer’s day when you’ve desperately needed a cool drink or after waking up from a deep sleep where you’ve been breathing through your mouth all night.
However, the persistent sensation of not having enough saliva in your mouth can be uncomfortable and make you feel self-conscious. During menopause, many women experience this complaint and find it detracting from the enjoyment they get from their day-to-day lives.
In this article, we look at this symptom more closely and offer advice on how to manage dry mouth during menopause.
Is dry mouth a symptom of menopause?
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a common symptom of menopause, with studies revealing up to 50% of women experience it (1). Despite its prevalence and often debilitating impact, it is a relatively under-discussed symptom.
Learn about other menopause symptoms.
Why can dry mouth occur during menopause?
Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining moisture levels in the body, including in the mouth, by supporting the function of salivary glands.
As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, the salivary glands may produce less saliva. Saliva is essential for keeping the mouth hydrated, aiding digestion, and protecting against bacteria. With reduced saliva production, the mouth can feel dry, leading to discomfort (2).
What does menopause dry mouth feel like?
The main sensation of dry mouth is that of intense stickiness or cotton wool dryness due to a lack of saliva and it may feel like your tongue is constantly stuck to the roof of your mouth.
Dry mouth in menopause can also be characterised by:
- Trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking
- Chapped or cracked lips
- Changes to taste
- A burning or itching sensation in the mouth and/or throat
- Sore throat
- Increased thirst
- Hoarseness
- A dry feeling in the nose (3,4,5)
Saliva plays an important role in keeping the mouth healthy, a persistent dry mouth in menopause can result in further oral issues including:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Mouth infections, such as oral thrush
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Mouth, lip and tongue sores (3,4,5)
You should book an appointment with your dentist or GP if you have a persistent dry mouth and:
- Your mouth is still dry, even after trying home remedies or pharmacy treatments
- You’re struggling to eat regularly
- There are changes to your taste and smell that haven’t resolved
- You have pain, redness, inflammation or bleeding in your mouth
- You have sore white patches in your mouth
- It’s accompanied by other symptoms such as increased urination, dry eyes or a skin rash (4,5)
Other causes of dry mouth
While the hormonal changes that occur during menopause can lead to dry mouth, it’s also possible that there are other underlying causes such as:
- Certain medications
- Dehydration
- Mouth breathing
- Anxiety
- Cancer treatment (radiotherapy or chemotherapy)
- Oral thrush
- Diabetes
- Sjögren’s syndrome (4,5,6)
If you think your dry mouth might be the result of a medication or a health condition, you should discuss this with your GP.
Does menopause dry mouth go away?
As oestrogen levels balance out, some women may find that the feeling of a dry mouth gradually goes away. For others, it may be a chronic symptom that persists into postmenopause.
In these instances, finding effective management strategies is recommended to help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life.
Menopause dry mouth treatment and remedies
Dry mouth during menopause can be uncomfortable, affecting speech, eating, and overall oral health. While the hormonal changes associated with menopause are often the root cause, there are several treatment options and natural remedies that may help relieve symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy
Since declining oestrogen levels contribute to dry mouth, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help restore moisture balance in the body. By supplementing oestrogen levels, HRT can improve saliva production and reduce dryness in the mouth (7).
However, this treatment isn’t suitable or preferable for everyone, so it’s important to discuss the benefits and risks of HRT with your doctor.
Find out more about how HRT helps with menopause symptoms.
Artificial salvia
Artificial saliva products, available as sprays, gels, or lozenges, can provide relief by mimicking the lubricating effects of natural saliva. These products help keep the mouth moist and may also contain ingredients that protect against cavities and irritation.
Many artificial saliva substitutes are available over the counter, but a dentist or doctor can recommend the best option based on your individual circumstances.
Examples of artificial saliva products include:
- AS Saliva Orthana
- Biotène Oralbalance
- BioXtra Products
- Glandosane
- Saliveze
- Xerotin (8)
Read about other alternative remedies for menopause symptoms.
Lifestyle tips changes
In addition to treatments and remedies, small daily adjustments can make a big difference in keeping the mouth hydrated and healthy.
Staying hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain moisture levels in the mouth. Sip cold water regularly throughout the day and keep a glass by your bed at night too. If you struggle with fluid intake, sucking on ice cubes can help too (6).
Good dental hygiene
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can be worsened by dry mouth. Using an alcohol-free mouthwash can also provide relief (6).
Chewing gum
Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, helping to keep the mouth moist, with research showing the effects can last for up to two hours (10). Look for options containing xylitol, which can also help protect against cavities (11).
Using a humidifier at night
Running a humidifier in the bedroom adds moisture to the air, preventing the mouth from drying out overnight. This is especially helpful for those who breathe through their mouth while sleeping.
Reducing alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can contribute to dehydration and worsen dry mouth symptoms. Cutting back on coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages can help maintain a better moisture balance (6).
Stopping smoking
Smoking dries out the mouth and reduces saliva production. Quitting can not only improve dry mouth symptoms but also lower the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues (12).
Avoiding trigger foods
Spicy, salty, sugary and acidic foods can irritate an already dry mouth. Opting for softer, milder foods and staying mindful of triggers can help reduce discomfort (6).
Using lip balm
Dry lips often accompany dry mouth, leading to cracking and irritation. Applying a hydrating lip balm regularly can keep lips soft and prevent discomfort caused by dryness.
If you’re experiencing dry mouth in menopause, or any other symptoms that are affecting your well-being, you don’t have to deal with them alone. The team of doctors at Menopause Care are here to support you through this life stage with evidence-backed advice, tailored treatment plans, empathy and understanding.
If you’re interested in booking a consultation, start by being matched with a menopause doctor when you take our symptoms quiz.
²The Link Between Hormones And Dry Mouth | Colgate® (January 2023)
⁴Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (September 2023)
⁵Dry mouth | NHS inform (December 2022)
⁶Dry mouth - NHS (November 2023)
⁷⁹¹⁰The oral health benefits of sugarfree gum | BDJ Team (October 2015)
