1. A Side Effect of Medication
The most common cause of dry mouth--a condition that occurs when you don't have enough saliva in your mouth to keep it wet--is medication. More than 400 medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) list dry mouth as a potential adverse effect. Among them are antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, diuretics, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinson's disease medications and antidepressants.
If you take medication and experience dry mouth, talk to your physician about changing or altering your prescription. Oftentimes, simply increasing hydration will combat dry mouth.
2. Hormonal Changes
Puberty, pregnancy and menopause can all contribute to dry mouth. Menopause can be a time of decreased salivary flow (it's saliva that keep the mouth lubricated), and dry mouth, in turn, can result in the development of periodontal disease because saliva is not available to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque.
3. Snoring and Breathing Habits
Leaving your mouth perpetually open--such as when breathing with your mouth open or snoring--can contribute to dry mouth. Sleeping in a room with a humidifier may relieve some of the discomfort.
4. Salivary Gland Disease
Dry mouth may be a symptom of a more serious problem: salivary gland disease. There are three pairs of salivary glands, and all of them empty saliva into the mouth through ducts that open at various locations in the mouth. The salivary glands may become inflamed (irritated) because of infection, tumors or stones.
5. Many Other Causes
Dry mouth can result from nerve damage to the head or neck, or be caused by fever, vomiting, blood loss, diarrhea and excessive sweating. Dry mouth can also be a symptom of diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, emotional stress and anxiety, endocrine disorders, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, AIDS and Sjogren's syndrome.
If you experience dry mouth that continues for several days despite an increase in fluids (water is best), see your physician to rule out a more serious problem.
