Diabetes and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be an uncomfortable side effect of diabetes that can lead to complications such as gingivitis over the long term if left untreated. Since saliva protects your teeth (helping to prevent decay) and also improves digestion and the ability to taste food, it’s essential to get it treated.

Sometimes dry mouth is a symptom of undiagnosed or improperly treated diabetes. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and treatments of dry mouth can help you address the issue with your healthcare provider for the best outcome.

Dry Mouth Symptoms

Dry mouth is a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth do not make enough saliva. The lack of saliva leaves your mouth feeling uncomfortably dry. Symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Burning feeling in the mouth
• Difficulties with eating, chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Dry, cracked lips
• Mouth feels dry nearly all the time
• Painful mouth
• Sores or infections in the mouth
• Tongue is rough and feels dry

High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is common in people with diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2) that isn’t well managed. High glucose levels can cause the symptom of dry mouth, although healthcare providers aren’t quite sure why.

Other oral symptoms of high blood sugar are:

• Thrush, an overgrowth of yeast
• Increased thirst

Fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches may also occur.

Remedy

If you have high blood sugar that isn’t being well controlled, your healthcare provider will be able to help you come up with a plan for better eating habits and medication should you need it.

The fluids lost from high blood sugar can make you very thirsty, so be sure to drink plenty of water. It’s best to avoid foods and drinks with a lot of sugar content, like:

• Sodas
• Juices
• Candy
• Other desserts

Dehydration

Not getting enough fluids can cause dry mouth from dehydration. Liquids are necessary for your mouth to produce enough saliva.

Diabetes insipidus—a less common form of diabetes in which the kidneys have a difficult time preventing water excretion—can cause constant thirst and dehydration.

Similarly, diabetes mellitus can cause constant thirst and an increased need to urinate, which leads to dehydration and dry mouth.

Remedy

Dry mouth due to dehydration for people with diabetes can often be controlled with medications. Drinking enough water to match the water loss through urination is also essential.

Kidney Problems

Diabetes insipidus causes the kidneys to be unable to concentrate urine effectively and to excrete a large amount of dilute urine.

With types 1 and 2 diabetes, blood sugar can build up and cause problems for your kidneys while they work hard to manage the excess blood glucose. When this happens, water is pulled from your other bodily tissues, causing you to feel thirsty.

You may also:

• Have to pee more often
• Feel hungry
• Experience headaches

Remedy

Managing your condition with medications and being sure to drink enough water is essential.

Medications

Certain medications used for diabetes can cause dry mouth, including Metformin. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, which are used to treat hypertension and diabetes, can cause dry mouth.

Remedy

You may be able to switch your medications if they cause you dry mouth. Speak to your healthcare provider about this option.

Dietary Ketosis

Dietary ketosis is not the same as diabetic ketoacidosis but is intentional ketosis caused by following the keto diet. Dry mouth is a common side effect of this diet.

The keto diet is also a popular choice for those with type 2 diabetes. The dry mouth with dietary ketosis is due to dehydration from water loss. Water loss happens when glycogen is being excreted from the blood due to a lack of carbohydrates.

Remedy

Ending your keto diet can help prevent dry mouth, but for those who do not wish to change their diet, focusing on eating foods that are keto-friendly and contain a lot of water is a good strategy. Try fruits and vegetables like:

• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Avocado
• Green leafy vegetables
• Berries

Diabetic Ketoacidosis 

If your body’s cells do not get enough glucose needed for energy, the body will use ketones instead. When this happens, ketones can build up in the blood and make it more acidic.

For people with diabetes, this can mean that your illness is not being well controlled, and you could get very sick. This condition most often occurs in people with type 1 diabetes, although it can happen in those with type 2.

Remedy

You should check your urine for ketones when your blood glucose is more than 240 mg/dl. Do not exercise if your urine shows ketones and your blood glucose is high. Contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Treatments for Dry Mouth

Dry mouth due to diabetes or other causes can be treated with some other remedies as well. Try the following tips:

• Avoid salty or sugary drinks and foods.
• Sip water throughout the day and with meals.
• Avoid caffeine, which can dry out your mouth.
• Increase saliva by chewing gum or sucking on hard candies that do not contain sugar. Try those with xylitol, which can further prevent cavities.
• Do not use tobacco, and limit alcohol; both can cause dry mouth.
• Place a humidifier in your room at night or in your home or office during the day.
• Take any medications prescribed by your healthcare provider or dentist that help to keep your mouth moist.
• Be sure to practice proper dental hygiene, such as brushing twice a day and flossing regularly to prevent decay and bad breath.

A Word From Verywell

A dry mouth can be uncomfortable and lead to dental issues and other health problems if left untreated. You can take some steps to remedy dry mouth at home, but you should also speak to your healthcare provider about this symptom to get help determining the cause and a treatment that is appropriate for you.