It's uncomfortable when you feel that you don't have enough saliva in your mouth most of the time. This condition, called dry mouth, can lead to health problems like mouth infections and can be a sign of certain health conditions. There are a variety of reasons you might suffer dry mouth. Always consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Identification
Besides a sticky and dry feeling in your mouth, symptoms of dry mouth can include trouble chewing, speaking, swallowing and tasting, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. You also might suffer a burning feeling in your mouth, a dry throat, a rough and dry tongue, cracked lips, mouth sores and mouth infections. Saliva is important because it helps you digest food, protects your teeth from decay, makes it possible for you to chew and swallow and prevents infection because it controls bacteria in your mouth.
Causes
Your dry mouth might be caused by something as simple as the medication you take, even if it's just an over-the-counter drug, according to MayoClinic.com. In fact, more than 400 medicines can cause your salivary glands to produce less saliva. The most frequent offenders include antihistamines, decongestants, depression and anxiety drugs, anti-diarrheals, high blood pressure medicine, urinary incontinence drugs, muscle relaxers and Parkinson's disease medications. Cancer therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation treatments can cause dry mouth as well.
Warning
If it's not a result of the drugs you are taking, your dry mouth might be due to a health condition that affects salivary glands, according to NIDCR. Diabetes, the autoimmune disease Sjögren's syndrome and HIV/AIDS are all possible culprits. Depression and anxiety disorders also can cause dry mouth, notes MayoClinic.com, as can Parkinson's disease.
Expert Insight
You might perceive dry mouth when you're not really experiencing it, according MayoClinic.com. If you suffer a stroke or have Alzheimer's disease, you might feel like you have dry mouth, even though your salivary glands are actually functioning normally.
Considerations
Factors aside from medicine and health can contribute to ongoing dry mouth. For example, breathing with your mouth open or snoring can add to your problem. If you are being treated for sleep apnea with a continuous positive airflow pressure device, or CPAP, dry mouth can be a side effect if your mask does not fit properly, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Certain habits also can worsen your condition, including smoking and chewing tobacco, according to MayoClinic.com.
Time Frame
You are more likely to suffer from ongoing dry mouth as you age, according to MayoClinic.com. While age is not a risk factor in and of itself, you are more likely to have a health condition or take a medication that leads to dry mouth in your later years.
Prevention/Solution
Develop a treatment plan for dry mouth with your doctor, who might adjust your medication to alleviate the problem. Your doctor also might give you a medication to boost saliva production if your dry mouth is due to a health condition. Artificial saliva also is available. You can sip water frequently, avoid alcohol and tobacco, use a humidifier at night, avoid caffeine and chew gum to help alleviate dry mouth as well.
