Saliva helps with eating, speaking and protecting teeth. A persistently dry mouth can make these tasks uncomfortable and increase the risk of tooth decay and oral infections.
Possible contributors include medicines, health conditions and some cancer treatments. Dry mouth should not simply be accepted as a normal consequence of getting older. Explain when it began and bring a complete medication list to your appointment.
Your dentist or doctor can investigate contributing factors and discuss measures to improve comfort. Do not stop prescribed medicines yourself. Ask whether you need additional preventive care or a saliva substitute.
Keep track of soreness, changes in taste and difficulty swallowing. Ask how to maintain oral hygiene when the mouth feels tender. Treatment should address both symptoms and the risk to teeth. A recurring need to sip water is useful information to share, even when there is no toothache.