Saliva is necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth by
neutralizing acids produced by plaque and washing away dead cells
that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Saliva also helps
digest food, prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi
in the mouth, and makes it possible for you to taste, chew, and
swallow your food. Dry mouth occurs when the flow of saliva is
reduced and there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth
moist.
What causes dry mouth?
There are several causes of
dry mouth:
- Side effect of certain medications. Dry mouth is a
common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription drugs,
including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies
and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne,
epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic
disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators),
and Parkinson's disease. Dry mouth is also a side effect of
muscle relaxants and sedatives.
- Side effect of certain diseases and infections. Dry
mouth can be a side effect of medical conditions, including
Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease,
diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis,
hypertension, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and mumps.
- Side effect of certain medical treatments. The salivary
glands (which produce saliva), can be damaged, for example, from
radiation to the head and neck and chemotherapy treatments for
cancer. This can reduce the amount of saliva produced.
- Nerve damage. Dry mouth can be a result of nerve damage
to the head and neck area from an injury or surgery.
- Dehydration. Conditions that lead to dehydration, such
as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and
burns, can cause dry mouth.
- Surgical removal of the salivary glands
- Lifestyle. Smoking or chewing tobacco can affect saliva
production and aggravate dry mouth. Continuously breathing with
your mouth open can also contribute to the problem.
What are the symptoms of dry mouth?
Common symptoms
of dry mouth include:
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
- Frequent thirst
- Sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the
mouth; cracked lips
- A dry feeling in the throat
- A constant sore throat
- A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on
the tongue
- A dry, red, raw tongue
- Problems speaking; difficulty tasting, chewing, and
swallowing
- Hoarseness, dry nasal passages
- Bad breath
Why is dry mouth a problem?
Besides causing the
aggravating symptoms mentioned above, dry mouth also increases a
person's risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and mouth infections,
such as thrush. Dry mouth can also make it difficult to wear
dentures.
How is dry mouth treated?
If your dry mouth is
caused by medication you are taking, your doctor may adjust the
dose or switch you to a different drug that doesn't cause dry
mouth.
In addition, an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture may be
prescribed. If that doesn't help, a medication that
stimulates saliva production, called Salagen, may be
prescribed.
Other steps you can take that may help improve saliva flow
include:
- Sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum
- Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
- Protecting your teeth by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste,
using a fluoride rinse, and visiting your dentist regularly
- Breathing through your nose, not your mouth, as much as
possible
- Using a room vaporizer in your bedroom to add moisture