We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and
digest food. Saliva also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi
in the mouth. When we don't produce enough saliva, our mouth gets dry and
uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for dry mouth.
What Causes Dry
Mouth?
There are several causes of dry mouth, also called
xerostomia. These include:
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 can also be 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. Damage to the salivary glands, the glands that
produce saliva, for example, from radiation to the head and neck and
chemotherapy treatments for cancer, 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.
Dentist Purcellville VA
Purcellville Dental Timothy A. Smith, DDS
609-T East Main Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
