Abnormally decreased saliva production causes dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Dry mouth frequently leads to other symptoms and problems, including mouth sores, burning, decreased or altered taste, and an increased incidence of tooth decay. Salivary gland disorders can cause xerostomia, as can medications and other factors that affect saliva production. Treatment of dry mouth involves correction of the underlying condition, stimulating saliva production or providing replacement mouth moisture.
Salivary Gland Stones
Three pairs of salivary glands, the sublingual, submandibular and parotid glands, produce saliva. Saliva flows through a series of small tubes, or salivary ducts, into the mouth. Stones can form within the duct system, obstructing saliva flow and causing dry mouth. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery explains that symptoms of salivary duct obstruction usually occur with meals. Eating provokes a marked increase in saliva production. Obstruction of saliva flow causes swelling and pain of the affected salivary gland. Swelling often decreases between meals. The parotid glands, located in front of the ear, and the submandibular glands, situated near the back of the lower jaw, are most commonly affected by salivary stones. Treatment of salivary duct obstruction involves removing the stone to restore normal saliva flow.
Medications
Dry mouth is a common side effect of certain medications. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that more than 400 medications can cause xerostomia. Commonly used prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that may cause dry mouth include decongestants; antihistamines; medicines to treat nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; antidepressants; antianxiety drugs; high blood pressure medicines; antipsychotics; diuretics; inhaled asthma medicines; drugs for overactive bladder; muscle relaxants; and medications for Parkinson's disease.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer can damage the salivary glands, causing markedly reduced saliva production. The National Cancer Institute explains that irradiated salivary glands may exhibit partial recovery in the months following completion of radiation therapy, although some degree of dry mouth typically persists for most patients.
Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a misguided immune system attack on the salivary and tear-producing glands. The immune system attack on the salivary glands causes slowly progressive destruction of the saliva-producing tissues, leading to dry mouth. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that approximately 1 to 4 million Americans have Sjögren's syndrome, with most cases occurring in women older than age 40. Sjögren's syndrome may occur as a stand-alone condition or accompany other autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Saliva substitutes and medications to stimulate saliva production remain the mainstays of treatment for Sjögren's syndrome, notes the American College of Rheumatology.
References
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: Salivary Glands
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Dry Mouth
- National Cancer Institute: Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation, Dry Mouth
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Sjögren's Syndrome
- American College of Rheumatology: Sjögren's Syndrome
