Xerostomia, or dry mouth, results from reduced saliva flow, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Xerostomia is not related to age and is not a disease. It is a symptom of some medical disorders, a side effect of many medications, or a result of radiation treatment to the head and neck. Complications of xerostomia include bad breath, tooth decay, tooth loss and yeast infection of the mouth. Meticulous oral hygiene and other symptom management measures can help to prevent complications. Consultation with a doctor or dentist is advised.
Medications
Medications are the most common cause of xerostomia, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. More than 400 medications are known to cause dry mouth, including medications for depression, anxiety, psychosis, high blood pressure, cancer, congestion, allergies, Parkinson's disease and pain. Diuretics, or water pills, can also cause dry mouth. Use of the illegal drug methamphetamine causes "meth mouth," which is characterized by rapid and severe tooth decay caused by xerostomia and clenching of the jaw. Tobacco also causes xerostomia.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is a disorder of the immune system characterized by dry mouth and dry eyes, according to MayoClinic.com. Production of tears and saliva decrease. Sjogren's syndrome can accompany other immune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Other symptoms include swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints, dry skin, vaginal dryness and ongoing fatigue. As Sjogren's syndrome progresses, it also affects other organs. Liver and kidney damage, pneumonia and bronchitis can result. Sjogren's syndrome is not curable, and is treated by managing symptoms.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation treatment for cancer of the head and neck can cause xerostomia, according to the National Cancer Institute. Salivary glands, the glands that produce saliva, can be damaged by radiation therapy. The dose of radiation and the number of salivary glands irradiated determine the severity of dry mouth. Saliva can decrease within one week of starting radiation treatment, and worsen as treatment continues. Partial recovery can occur during the first year following radiation therapy. Salivary glands not exposed to radiation sometimes produce more saliva to compensate for damaged glands.
Dehydration
Dehydration means that the body does not have an adequate amount of fluids to carry out normal functions. It is caused when more fluids are lost than are taken in, according to MayoClinic.com. Sweating, vomiting, diarrhea and fever are common causes of dehydration. Other possible causes include drinking alcoholic beverages, certain medications such as diuretics, diseases such as diabetes, and burns. Symptoms include dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, reduced urination, headache and dizziness. Signs of severe dehydration include extreme thirst, fussiness in children, lack of sweating, very little or no urination, shriveled, dry skin, sunken eyes, fever, rapid heartbeat and fever. Dehydration can be fatal, and emergency medical treatment is required for serious cases.
