Antidepressants and Dry Mouth: What You Need to Know

By Dr. Roosevelt Allen, DDS, MAGD, ABGD

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Americans’ mental health, with many people turning to antidepressant medication to help cope with anxiety, depression and other disorders: one study found that prescriptions for antidepressants rose by 18.6% during 2020. While antidepressants are an effective treatment for managing mental health conditions, it’s important to be aware that a common side effect of these medications – dry mouth – can cause damage to your teeth and gums.

The Link Between Antidepressants and Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a vital role in oral health. On top of acting as a lubricant for your mouth, this watery liquid produced by glands under the tongue protects tooth enamel and assists in basic functions like eating and speaking. Saliva also regulates bacteria and washes away food particles from the teeth and gums. The minerals in saliva, such as calcium, phosphate and fluoride, help keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Certain medications can have side effects that interfere with saliva flow. For instance, studies have found that people who take antidepressant drugs may have an increased risk of dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, as these medications can decrease saliva production.

When your mouth does not produce enough saliva, it can make it difficult to speak, chew and swallow. You may also notice other signs like increased thirst, bad breath, a dry or sore throat, thick saliva and changes in taste.

Research shows that people who experience chronic dry mouth have a higher risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other oral infections. Without saliva to keep your mouth moist, bacteria are more likely to remain on the teeth and gums, where they can cause decay and inflammation.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Mouth

It’s normal to experience a dry mouth occasionally; however, you should see your dentist for an evaluation if it happens frequently, as it may be a sign of an underlying problem. Your dentist will consider your symptoms, examine your mouth and review your health history to determine the cause of your dry mouth and recommend a treatment plan. If an underlying medical condition is suspected, your dentist may refer you to a physician.

A variety of treatment options, including oral rinses, fluoride applications and medications to boost saliva production, are available to help control dry mouth.

If your antidepressant medicine continues to cause mouth dryness despite following your dentist’s recommended treatment, ask your physician about the pros and cons of changing the dosage or switching to another medication.

Tips for Coping with Dry Mouth

A good oral hygiene routine is one of the best defenses against a dry mouth. Brushing your teeth twice a day – or after every meal and before bedtime – with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and visiting your dentist at least twice a year can help you avoid problems with your teeth and gums.

Along with these habits, many simple strategies can provide some relief from dry mouth. Consider these tips for keeping your mouth moist and healthy:

Even though dry mouth does not require emergency treatment, don’t avoid or delay talking to your dentist or physician. Because the mouth is connected to nearly every system in the body, dental health is an essential part of overall health. By getting and taking the proper care, you can stay ahead of any issues before they become expensive and difficult to treat or even prevent them from happening in the first place.

Roosevelt Allen, DDS, MAGD, ABGD, is chief dental officer at United Concordia Dental in Camp Hill, Pa., where he leads the dental solutions partner’s oral and overall health efforts and oversees its professional affairs, dental directors, and clinical and dental policy.