Every now and then, you may feel as if all the saliva in your mouth has dried up and your tongue seems thick and desiccated. This condition is called dry mouth (or xerostomia). You might get a dry mouth after a long workout, or on a hot day, or sometimes after you brush your teeth and use mouthwash. There are numerous causes for dry mouth, many of them harmless, some of them medically serious.
Side Effect of Certain Diseases
Many diseases can cause dry mouth, as can the treatment for such diseases. HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's, Sjogren's syndrome, anemia, cystic fibrosis and diabetes are but a few of the diseases that commonly cause dry mouth. People with anxiety disorders and depression also frequently suffer from dry mouth, as do stroke victims and those suffering from the mumps.
Side Effect of Certain Medications
Scores of medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, can also cause dry mouth. In particular, dry mouth can result from those medications used to treat depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, urinary incontinence and Parkinson's disease. Decongestants, antihistamines, anti-diarrheals and muscle relaxants can cause dry mouth as well.
Side Effect of Certain Medical Treatments
Chemotherapy is very likely to cause dry mouth, as it often reduces the production of saliva. In addition, radiation to the neck and head can damage the salivary glands, causing dry mouth.
Dehydration
Dry mouth is often caused by dehydration. Dehydration usually happens when the body loses a lot of fluid (through sweating, vomiting and diarrhea) and doesn't get enough back in. However, it can also be caused by certain medical conditions such as blood loss, chronic diarrhea or kidney failure.
Nerve Damage
The salivary glands are controlled by facial nerves, and when nerve damage occurs to the nerves in the head and neck, it can affect the production of saliva. In many cases, saliva production is greatly reduced, causing dry mouth.
Treatment
Treatment for dry mouth varies depending on the underlying cause. For example, if medication is causing dry mouth, your doctor can adjust your dosage or change medicines. A doctor may also prescribe certain medications that stimulate saliva production. You can also try various home remedies, including chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, drinking plenty of water, breathing through your nose instead of your mouth, avoiding alcohol (which can be drying), limiting your caffeine intake and stopping any tobacco use.
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