Have you ever experienced the feeling of having a dry mouth to the extent that it affects your quality of life? You are not alone. 1 in 5 people say they are suffering from dry mouth, some so much that it affects their day-to-day life*. These symptoms can be noticed in many different ways; dryness or a feeling of stickiness, bad breath, increased thirst, and the feeling of lacking saliva. We are here to help sort out the meaning of dry mouth, why 1 in 5 are suffering from it, and what you can do to ease the feeling of dry mouth.
Dry mouth - an unspoken condition that can affect your daily life
What dry mouth feels like
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can sometimes feel like your mouth is made of sandpaper. You might experience a sore throat, dry or cracked lips, or sticky saliva. Some say it feels like not having a fresh mouth or breath and some feel parched even though they drink lots of water. Are you unsure if what you are experiencing is a dry mouth? Our quiz can help sort out any concerns or questions you might have.
Reasons for dry mouth
1 in 5 of the general population experiences dry mouth**. The number is higher in the following groups
- The elderly
- Women going through menopause
- People who take several medications
- People with illnesses (diabetes, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's)
Experiencing dry mouth can also be connected to dehydration, stress, excessive use of caffeine or cancer treatment. It's a common condition that affect people of all ages and their quality of life in a negative way. For most people, it's crucial to find something that can help reduce the discomfort by using products that provide moisture and give some easement.
How to ease your feeling of dry mouth
Water is usually the standard remedy for dry mouth, but for many people water isn't enough. It might only provide brief comfort, especially for those who suffer from very dry mouth. For long-lasting comfort, our Hydrating Mouth Gel, Mouthwash and Mouth Spray are great solutions.
Immediate comfort
If you need something that can give you immediate easement on-the-go, our Mouth Gel for dry mouth is perfect with its gentle soothing and moisturising formula. It comes with an easy-to-use pump function and can be used as often as needed. Choose between a mild peppermint and an unflavoured gel.
Hydrate the mouth
If you are in need of something to hydrate your mouth, our Hydrating Mouthwash will help you. The moisturising mouthwash soothes your mouth and helps ease your dry mouth. It has a fluoride level of 0.2% which will help prevent cavities. Choose either a mild apple and peppermint flavoured and an unflavoured mouthwash to use 1-2 times per day.
Comfort on-the-go
The TePe Hydrating Mouth Spray is perfect to use on-the-go, whenever you need some refreshment. Spray directly on the inside of the cheeks which will help stimulate the saliva. The 50ml sized bottle will ensure an easy and hygienic application.
Is bad breath related to dry mouth?
In some cases, bad breath can be a sign of dry mouth. Our saliva plays an important role in our oral hygiene and has multifunctional properties that are crucial for your everyday life. It washes away food and drinks, dissolves flavour, makes swallowing food easier and facilitates speech. Saliva is also important since it helps to cleanse the mouth of bacteria and helps prevent plaque build-up, which can lead to bad breath. Learn more about bad breath and how you can prevent it.
Feeling of increased thirst
Ever wondered if what you are feeling is dry mouth or just thirst? The two "conditions" are pretty similar but if you are still experiencing a dry mouth after drinking water, you might have a dry mouth. If you're experiencing light discomfort, you can try to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. If this doesn't help ease the feeling of dry mouth, you can try our Hydrating products.
Does your symptoms affect your sleep?
Many people might experience dry mouth at night which affects their sleep. There are various symptoms, such as stringy saliva, sore throat, and cracked lips. The TePe Hydrating Mouth Gel, Mouth Spray and Mouthwash can help with the discomfort and enable a good night's sleep. Some lifestyle changes can also help reduce the discomfort, like avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
FAQ dry mouth
How to avoid dry mouth at night?
Some people are suffering from dry mouth at night but not during the day. By using our Hydrating Mouth Gel right before you go to sleep, your discomfort will decrease. The gel creates a thin, protective layer that moistens and soothes your mouth which will help you get a good night's sleep.
How does dry mouth rinse work?
Our Hydrating Mouthwash helps moisturise your mouth to ease the feeling of dry mouth. When you suffer from dry mouth, there is an increased risk for tooth decay because of a decrease in saliva. This can be prevented by using the TePe Hydrating Mouthwash which is especially made for people with dry mouth. The mouthwash contains 0.2% fluoride for cavity protection and its texture makes it possible for the hydrating attributes to stay longer in the mouth, providing a smooth and moisturising effect.
Why doesn't water help with dry mouth?
Water can be a short-term remedy for people who don't have very dry and sensitive mouth. But for people who need a long-term solution and something that provides more than just brief comfort, water is not good enough. It all depends on how severe your discomfort is.
Can children use the TePe Hydrating products?
Yes, children can use our Mouth Gel from any age but have to be at least 12 years old to use our Hydrating Mouthwash or Hydrating Mouth Spray.
Products suitable for dry mouth
At TePe, we offer gentle, unflavoured products for those with very dry mouth and mildly flavoured products for those with moderate discomfort. Experiencing problems with dry mouth and sensitive gums? Try our toothpaste, TePe Pure™, which is perfectly suitable for people with sensitive gums and dry mouth.
*TePe - Motuh Dryness in UK, web panel questionnaire study with 1000 respondents, Transvector, April 2023.
**Furness S, et al. Interventions for the management of dry mouth: topical therapies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Dec 7;(12):CD008934