Dry mouth can happen to anyone, especially if you're feeling nervous or stressed. A few deep breaths and a little drink of water may be all it takes to get relief. However, if dry mouth persists, it can make it hard to chew, eat or swallow, and it can increase your risk for tooth decay. The problem may be aggravated during winter nights when humidity is lower and you're breathing heated indoor air.
Considerations
Xerostomia, which is pronounced zeer-oh-STOH-me-uh, is the medical term for dry mouth. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, or NIDCR, describes it as "the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit," to keep your mouth wet. The term comes from the Greek word "xero," which means dry, and "stoma," which means mouth. The website Drymouth.info reports the condition affects about one in every four to five adults, and women are more often affected than men.
Causes
There are many possible causes for dry mouth. MayoClinic.com reports that medications are a frequent culprit. Hundreds can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Cancer therapies and nerve damage also may result in dry mouth. Other health conditions, and their treatments, that can cause dry mouth include Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and HIV/AIDS. Smoking and tobacco use can increase dry mouth symptoms, and if you snore at night or breathe with your mouth open, that can cause dry mouth, too.
Diagnosis
Because there are so many possible causes of dry mouth, it's important to consult with a doctor or dentist if the problem persists. MayoClinic.com notes that in order to get a proper diagnosis, your health care practitioner will likely examine your mouth and get a medical history from you. You might need a blood test or imaging scan of your salivary glands to get a definitive diagnosis.
Treatments
If drugs are causing the problem, the fix may be as simple as changing your medication. A doctor also may prescribe medication to stimulate saliva production. There are many steps you can take without a doctor's orders, too. The NIDCR suggests drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. MayoClinic.com notes that limiting caffeine, breathing through your nose and avoiding over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants also may help. If the problem is worse at night, use a room humidifier and apply a brush-on gel or use a fluoride rinse before bedtime.
Warning
Dry mouth can be more than just an uncomfortable feeling. Your mouth needs saliva to limit bacterial growth and wash away food and plaque. If your salivary glands aren't producing enough saliva, you're at increased risk for tooth decay. Enzymes in saliva aid in digestion, and a dry mouth can have an unpleasant smell that can give you bad breath.
