Dry mouth (xerostomia), refers to a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don’t make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. There are several factors that can cause dry mouth, including:
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and painkillers, can reduce saliva production and lead to dry mouth.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, can affect saliva production and lead to dry mouth.
- Dehydration: Dehydration can reduce saliva production and cause dry mouth.
- Aging: As people age, they are more likely to experience dry mouth due to a decrease in saliva production.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands and cause dry mouth.
- Nerve damage: Nerve damage to the head and neck can affect saliva production and cause dry mouth.
- Stress: Stress can cause decreased saliva production and lead to dry mouth.
- Tobacco use: Tobacco use can reduce saliva production and cause dry mouth.
- Recreational drug use. Methamphetamine use can cause severe dry mouth and damage to teeth, a condition also known as “meth mouth.” Marijuana also can cause dry mouth.
Complications
If you don’t have enough saliva and develop dry mouth, this can lead to:
- Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease
- Mouth sores
- Yeast infection in your mouth (thrush)
- Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth, or cracked lips
- Poor nutrition from having problems with chewing and swallowing
It’s important to address the underlying cause of dry mouth to effectively treat and manage the condition. If you are experiencing dry mouth, it is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.