Dry Mouth Causes,
Symptoms, and Remedies
B L O G | S U N R I S E D E N T I S T R Y
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We all need saliva to keep our mouths
clean and moist. Saliva also helps in
food digestion, and prevents infection
by controlling the growth of bacteria
and fungi in the oral cavity.
When you do not make enough saliva,
your mouth gets uncomfortably dry.
Dry mouth causes may include
dehydration, unhealthy lifestyle
practices, certain medical conditions,
and prescription drugs.
Fortunately, most dry mouth
symptoms are manageable at home,
though there are also medications.
How Common Is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth affects approximately
10% of the world’s population.
It is more common in the aging
population, and women are more
affected than men. Patients who are
taking prescription and
nonprescription medications can
also be greatly affected.
What Are the Most Common Dry
Mouth Causes?
Medications
Many prescription and O.T.C. drugs
can cause dry mouth. Antihistamines,
anti-hypertensives, decongestants,
muscle relaxants, anti-diarrhea
medications, antidepressants, and
urinary continence drugs are just a
few examples.
Age
Although dry mouth is not a natural
part of aging, the elderly tend to take
more drugs than the rest of the
population. Most of these
medications cause dry mouth.
Cancer Treatment
Radiation to the head and neck can
damage the salivary glands, hence
a decrease in saliva production.
Chemotherapy can also alter the
amount of saliva being produced,
as well as its quality.
Injury or Surgery
Nerve damage to the head and neck
can result in dry mouth. Surgical
removal of the salivary glands, though
uncommon, will also cause dry mouth.
Smoking
Tobacco use can increase the risk of
dry mouth symptoms.
Dehydration
Lack of fluids can also lead to a lack of
saliva. Fever, excessive sweating,
diarrhea, vomiting, burns, and blood
loss all commonly lead to
dehydration.
Dry mouth causes also include certain
health conditions and habits,
including:
Stress and anxiety disorders
Depression
Poorly controlled d