Reasons for Dry Mouth

Xerostomia, more commonly known as dry mouth, is a medical condition characterized by a significant decrease or halting of the production of saliva. Saliva is the clear liquid produced in the mouth to help lubricate and clean it. There are a number of reasons for the occurrence of dry mouth, including medications, illness, surgery, dehydration and lifestyle choices.

Medication

• Dry mouth occurs most commonly as a side effect of medications. Some painkillers and anti-depressants can stop the production of saliva and lead to dry mouth. Adults are more prone to experiencing this particular side effect because they tend to take a wider range of medicines. Furthermore, people who are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy to treat types of cancer around the head and neck are prone to having the condition of dry mouth.

Illness

• There are some illnesses that can induce the onset of dry mouth. Diseases that affect the immune system such as HIV or Sjorgren's Disease often have a shortage of saliva as a symptom. Another condition that is commonly cited as a cause of dry mouth is diabetes. In this situation, the patient has higher levels of glucose, which makes it more prone to bacterial growth leading to dry mouth. Successful treatment of the disease usually leads to the stabilization of saliva levels.

Surgery

• Removal of the salivary glands can be another reason for dry mouth. Although it is rare, there are some instances when tumors form in the salivary glands and, the glands must be removed through surgery. In other cases, frequent infection leads doctors to recommend their removal. In the case of surgery, the condition of dry mouth is usually permanent and needs follow-up treatment to offset its effects.

Dehydration

• If there are not enough fluids in the body, a person can experience dry mouth. Conditions that are associated with dehydration, such as diarrhea or high fever, can cause the mouth to feel dry. In addition to this, vomiting, blood loss and excessive sweating can contribute to the problem. In these cases, the condition is temporary and can be alleviated through the intake of liquids. Take note that it is not enough to just take in water, as electrolytes that are lost also need to be replaced. Many physicians recommend taking small but frequent sips of liquids to prevent dehydration.

Lifestyle

• Certain behaviors can also cause the production of saliva to diminish. Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can decrease the presence of saliva in the mouth, which can aggravate a pre-existing condition of dry mouth or even cause it. Furthermore, excessive consumption of alcohol also tends to disrupt the production of saliva, so drinking should only be done in moderation. Caffeine and spicy foods should also be avoided. Also, some people have the tendency to breathe through their mouths, which can exacerbate the problem.