If your mouth often feels dry, sticky, or uncomfortable, you might be experiencing xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth. While occasional dryness can be normal, persistent dry mouth can signal a deeper issue affecting your oral health and overall well-being.
At our Berkeley dental practice, Dr. Trang (Teah) Nguyen provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment options to help restore moisture, comfort, and confidence in your smile.

30+

experience in medical services

Dry Mouth

What Is Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)?

Xerostomia (pronounced zeer-oh-STO-mee-ah) occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist.
Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health — it helps neutralize acids, wash away food particles, prevent tooth decay, and make speaking and swallowing easier. When saliva production decreases, it can lead to irritation, infections, and increased risk of cavities.

Did you know? Up to 20% of adults experience chronic dry mouth, especially those taking certain medications or managing long-term health conditions.

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Why ?

Common Causes & Risk Factors

Why Does Bad Breath Happen?

The underlying causes of halitosis are varied, and understanding them is the first step to effective treatment.
Key contributors include:

Hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can reduce saliva flow, including antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and decongestants.

Health conditions such as diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, stroke, and salivary gland disorders can cause chronic dry mouth.

Radiation therapy to the head or neck can damage salivary glands, and chemotherapy may temporarily alter saliva composition or flow.

Dehydration, smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive caffeine, and mouth breathing are common lifestyle-related causes of xerostomia.

Saliva production naturally decreases with age, particularly for individuals taking multiple medications (polypharmacy).

Dry weather and seasonal allergies common in the Berkeley area can lead to increased antihistamine use and dehydration, contributing to dry mouth symptoms.

Cure for Dry Mouth

Treatment Options for Dry Mouth

1

Treating the Underlying Cause

If medication or a medical condition is responsible, Dr. Nguyen may coordinate with your physician to adjust dosages or explore alternatives.
2

Protecting Oral Health

Dr. Nguyen offers preventive dental care and fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities — crucial for patients with chronic dryness.
Regular checkups help detect and manage any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease.
3

Prescription Medications (If Needed)

For severe cases, medications such as pilocarpine or cevimeline may be prescribed to stimulate saliva production.
4

Relieving Symptoms

  • Use saliva-stimulating lozenges or sugar-free gum (preferably with xylitol).
  • Try artificial saliva sprays or gels for lasting relief.
  • Sip water frequently and avoid mouthwashes with alcohol.
  • Use a humidifier at night to keep air moist.
  • Limit caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use.

why choose us

Excellence results you can trust

Accurate diagnosis of dental diseases ensures effective treatment plans, helping to maintain oral health and prevent further complications.

Experienced Dental Professionals.

Every visit is focused on your comfort and confidence, with gentle treatment methods and clear communication every step of the way.

Comprehensive Dental & Breath Solutions

From gum therapy to dry mouth management, we provide complete dental care for lasting oral freshness and health.

Trusted by Berkeley Patients

Our compassionate approach and proven results have made us a leading choice for halitosis treatment in the Berkeley community.

FAQs

Everything you need to know about dental care

Find quick answers to common questions about our dental services, procedures, and patient care in our FAQ section.

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Yes. Chronic dryness increases the risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing these complications.

Sometimes, yes — if it’s caused by short-term dehydration or a temporary illness. However, persistent dry mouth usually requires professional care to find and treat the root cause.

Sip water often, use a humidifier at night, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva, and avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, caffeine, and tobacco.

Dr. Trang Nguyen may recommend specialized rinses, saliva substitutes, fluoride gels, or prescription medications like pilocarpine to improve comfort and saliva flow.

If your mouth feels persistently dry for more than a few weeks or you notice difficulty swallowing, speaking, or an increase in cavities, schedule an appointment with Dr. Nguyen.

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Ready to take the next step towards a healthier smile? Use our easy online booking system to schedule your dental appointment. Simply select a convenient date and time, provide some basic information, and we'll handle the rest.

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  • Wednesday 10am - 7pm
  • Friday, Saturday, Sunday Closed
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We always take care of your smile

24/7 Emergency

+1 510-848-0114

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