Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when a
person’s salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist.
Xerostomia can be a symptom of diabetes and, also a side effect of the
medication that treats diabetes.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), dry mouth is a common symptom of diabetes.
In this article, we look at the symptoms of dry mouth and its
link with diabetes. We also explain how a person can treat dry mouth.
What are the
symptoms of dry mouth?
Dry mouth occurs when
there is not enough saliva in the mouth.
According to the NIDDK, people with dry mouth may experience:
- a frequent dry
feeling in the mouth
- mouth pain
- a rough, dry
tongue
- difficulty
eating, talking, chewing, or swallowing.
- sores or
infections in the mouth
In addition, the American Dental
Association (ADA) note that dry mouth may involve:
- a sore throat
- nasal dryness
- hoarseness
What is the connection between dry mouth and diabetes?
The NIDDK list dry mouth among the most common problems that
people living with diabetes experience.
Its high prevalence in
this population may be due to:
- Dehydration: People with
diabetes are prone to dehydration.
- Increased blood
sugar levels:
In those with diabetes, a person’s blood glucose levels can become too
high.
The term for this is hyperglycemia, and it can
cause
a person to experience dry mouth.
- Kidney
conditions:
Over time, high blood glucose can lead to kidney
disease,
which can cause dry mouth.
- Diabetes
medication:
Some medications that a person can take to help control diabetes can cause
dry mouth as a side effect.
Also, according to Johns Hopkins
Medicine, approximately two-thirds of those with
diabetes have high blood pressure or use
medications to help control hypertension. Dry mouth can occur as a side effect
of these medications.
Is dry
mouth a symptom of diabetes?
According to a 2014 review, dry mouth can be a warning sign of diabetes. However,
although it is common in those with diabetes, it is not the only symptom.
A person may potentially
experience several symptoms due to diabetes, including:
- blurry vision
- fatigue
- increased thirst
- more frequent
urination
- increased hunger
- unexplained
weight loss
- tingling or numbness
in the extremities, such as the hands or feet
- sores that do
not heal
Although both type 1 and
type 2 diabetes have similar symptoms, the NIDDK state
that they do not develop in the same way.
They note that while
people who develop type 1 diabetes usually experience a fast onset of symptoms,
people living with type 2 diabetes tend to see a gradual onset of symptoms,
which they may not notice until another complication develops, such as blurred
vision.
People who experience dry
mouth because of medication can ask a doctor about the possibility of switching
medications. Managing any underlying conditions — for example, keeping blood
sugar levels within a safe range to control diabetes — may also help.
Healthcare professionals
can also prescribe medications to stimulate saliva production. These include pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine), which has a typical dosage
of 5 milligrams (mg) three times a day, and cevimeline (Evoxac), which has a
typical dosage of 30 mg three times a day.
A person will need to
take these medications for 3 months to ensure that they are working.
A person can also try
saliva substitutes that come in the form of gels, sprays, and lozenges.
However, the authors of a 2020 article note that these do
not work reliably and that when they do, they only provide temporary relief.
Home
remedies
The National Institute of
Dental and Craniofacial Research recommend that a
person take the following steps to minimize the symptoms of dry mouth:
- avoiding spicy
or salty foods because they can aggravate the issue.
- sipping water
slowly throughout the day
- chewing
sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy to help stimulate saliva
production.
- sipping water or
other sugar-free drinks during meals to aid swallowing.
- refraining from
alcohol or tobacco use.
- using a humidifier
when sleeping.
- avoiding
caffeinated beverages.
