When most people think of dry mouth, they picture an older adult dealing with the side effects of aging. While dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is more common among seniors, it can affect people of all ages. In fact, many younger adults experience dry mouth due to medications, lifestyle habits, health conditions, and even everyday stress.

A 2026 peer-reviewed study examined dry mouth among young adults ages 18–24 and found that symptoms were surprisingly common. Of the 278 participants, 57% reported experiencing dry mouth occasionally, while approximately 9% experienced it frequently or all the time. Only one-third of participants reported never experiencing dry mouth.¹

Dry mouth is more than just an uncomfortable inconvenience. Saliva plays a critical role in oral health, and a persistent lack of it can lead to cavities, gum disease, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, and other complications.³

Why Younger People Are Experiencing Dry Mouth

While dry mouth is often associated with older adults, it is not a normal part of aging and can affect people at any stage of adulthood.² Research in younger adults shows factors such as medication use, stress, sleep, and other lifestyle and health choices potentially contributing to symptoms.¹

Medications

One of the leading causes of dry mouth is medication use. Hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications can reduce saliva production or contribute to feelings of oral dryness.^2,3

These include:

• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants
• Anxiety medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Muscle relaxants
  
• Pain medications

Because many of these medications are used by adults across a wide range of ages, medication-related dry mouth is not limited to older adults.

What about GLP-1 Medications?

Dry mouth is not listed as a common side effect of GLP-1 medications, but it is believed that due to a reduced thirst sensation they can increase dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhea are common side effects of these medicines; both can also result in dehydration, one of the simplest yet most overlooked causes of dry mouth.⁴

Speaking of Dehydration

Busy schedules, intense workouts, excessive caffeine consumption, and inadequate water intake can all lead to dehydration.

Stress and Anxiety

Ever notice your mouth feels dry before a big presentation or important meeting? Stress and anxiety can contribute to temporary dry mouth, and research has shown that acute stress may reduce saliva flow. Chronic stress has also been associated with ongoing feelings of oral dryness. Other factors, such as dehydration and certain medications, may further contribute to dry mouth symptoms.^2,5

Mouth Breathing

People who breathe through their mouths while sleeping may wake up with a dry, sticky feeling in their mouths. Nasal congestion from allergies, colds or sinus problems can make it difficult to breathe through the nose, leading to mouth breathing. Structural issues such as a deviated septum and conditions such as sleep apnea may also contribute to nighttime mouth breathing and morning dry mouth.⁶

Lifestyle Factors

Some everyday habits can increase the risk of dry mouth:

• Smoking, vaping or other tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Frequent caffeine intake
• High-stress lifestyles
• Inadequate hydration³

These factors can affect saliva production regardless of age.

Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Dry mouth is not always obvious. Symptoms can include:

• A sticky or dry feeling in the mouth
• Frequent thirst
• Dry or cracked lips
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• A burning sensation in the mouth
• Bad breath
• Hoarseness or a sore throat
• Changes in taste
• Increased cavities

If symptoms persist for several weeks, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional or dentist.

The Bottom Line

The idea that dry mouth is exclusively a senior issue is a myth. From medications and stress to lifestyle habits and dehydration, people of all ages can experience dry mouth. Recognizing the symptoms early and taking steps to address the underlying cause can help protect both your oral health and overall well-being.

If you’re experiencing persistent dry mouth, don’t assume it’s something that only affects older adults. Dry mouth doesn't discriminate by age, and paying attention to it today can prevent bigger oral health problems tomorrow.

References

1. Chaffee, B. W., Couch, E. T., Shiboski, C., Hoyt, L. T., Cohen, A. K., & Cheng, J. (2026). A brief xerostomia inventory for young adults. PLOS ONE, 21(5), e0349869. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0349869
2. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2024). Dry mouth. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth
3. American Dental Association. (2026). Xerostomia (dry mouth). American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/xerostomia
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026). Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection: Prescribing information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/215866s009lbl.pdf
5. Frederiksen EH, et al. Whole unstimulated salivary flow rate decreases during acute stressful condition. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2024;137(6):594–603. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38521649/
6. Cleveland Clinic. Mouth Breathing: Symptoms, Complications & Treatment. Medically reviewed; updated July 23, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22734-mouth-breathing