How to Stop Diabetes Dry Mouth

One common symptom of diabetes is dry mouth, but if that’s something you’ve been struggling with, you don’t have to feel like you’re walking through the desert for the rest of your life. Richard K. felt constantly dehydrated and cotton-mouthed when his diabetes was uncontrolled. By joining Virta and embracing a well-formulated ketogenic diet, he was able to reverse his diabetes diagnosis and finally stop feeling thirsty all the time. 

If you’ve struggled with symptoms of dry mouth, read on to learn what causes it and what you can do to get your diabetes under control.

What causes diabetes dry mouth?

Dry mouth — also called xerostomia — stems from a lack of saliva in your mouth. It’s a common symptom in people with high blood sugar, because people with high blood sugar tend to more frequently urinate (which, as a result, dehydrates them). There is also a connection between poor blood sugar control and glucose levels in the saliva causing dry mouth. 

A related issue is diabetic tongue, which often accompanies dry mouth. It can cause a metallic taste in your mouth if you have diabetes, and also make your tongue feel rough. 

Symptoms of diabetes dry mouth

Dry mouth can cause numerous problems, including:

• Mouth sores
• Chapped lips
• Frequent bad breath, even after brushing your teeth
• Burning or pain in your throat or mouth
• Trouble talking, chewing or swallowing
• Thick, sticky spit
• Widening spaces between your teeth
• Loose teeth

Left untreated, diabetes dry mouth can cause more serious dental issues like:

• Plaque buildup on your teeth
• Tooth decay
• Cavities
• Periodontitis (severe gum inflammation)
• Gingivitis (gum disease)
• Mouth infections
• Thrush, a fungal infection

That’s why it’s important to talk to your medical provider if you’re experiencing these issues, and to take immediate steps to try to get to the root of the problem. 

How to stop dry mouth with diabetes

The No. 1 way to treat dry mouth with diabetes is to address the underlying cause. This means getting your diabetes under control. Talk to your healthcare provider about strategies for managing your blood sugar or adjusting medications that may cause dry mouth as a side effect.

In addition to lowering your blood sugar, you can also try the following to make yourself more comfortable as you work to eliminate the root causes of dry mouth:

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Use lip balm to keep your lips moist.
• Run a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
• Chew sugar-free gum or xylitol-based mouth sprays and lozenges to support healthy saliva production.

The takeaway

If you notice symptoms of dry mouth and think they are related to diabetes, Virta may be able to help. By making healthy lifestyle changes in a medical setting with supportive resources like 1:1 virtual coaching, you can regain control of your health and feel like yourself again. See if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.