Dry mouth, or xerostomia, happens when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. While it may seem like a minor issue, saliva is essential for keeping your mouth healthy. Without it, eating, speaking, and swallowing can become difficult, and your risk of tooth decay increases.
Common Causes of Dry Mouth
– Medications: Many drugs, including those for blood pressure, allergies, and depression, list dry mouth as a side effect.
– Dehydration: Not drinking enough water or losing fluids through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can reduce saliva flow.
– Medical conditions: Diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome can affect saliva production.
– Cancer treatments: Radiation to the head or neck and chemotherapy can damage salivary glands.
– Smoking or alcohol: Both can dry out the mouth.
Signs and Symptoms
– Sticky or dry feeling in the mouth
– Frequent thirst
– Dry or sore throat
– Bad breath
– Cracked lips or split skin at the corners of the mouth
– Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
– Dry, rough tongue or burning sensation
How to Relieve Dry Mouth
– Stay hydrated: Sip water frequently throughout the day.
– Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva.
– Use a humidifier at night to keep the air moist.
– Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can worsen dryness.
– Use saliva substitutes or oral moisturizers recommended by your dentist.
– Practice good oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
When to See a Doctor
If xerostomia is persistent, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is key to long-term relief.
Final Thoughts
xerostomia is more than just a discomfort—it can lead to serious dental problems if ignored. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage symptoms and protect your oral health.
