Dry mouth is a common experience, albeit an unpleasant one. It may feel like you have a mouthful of cotton. If your dry mouth is persistent despite simple solutions, consult with your doctor since dry mouth can lead to or indicate serious health problems.
Identification
Xerostomia, medical term for dry mouth, is characterized by a lack of saliva but can have many symptoms. A dry mouth in the morning can make you have cracked lips, bad breath or a sore throat. Your tongue may be irritated and leave a burning sensation in your mouth. A dry mouth can cause problems with swallowing, tasting or speaking and your lips may crack at the corners. Mouth sores can develop, as can fungal infection.
Causes
A persistent dry mouth is not typically normal and may be caused by certain medications. Over 400 medicines are associated with dry mouth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. High blood pressure medications, antidepressants, decongestants, antihistamines and muscle relaxants are known to cause dry mouth. Some radiation drugs can damage the salivary glands, and illnesses such as Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and HIV/AIDS cause dry mouth. Other causes of dry mouth include chemotherapy, nerve damage and tobacco use. Snoring and breathing with your mouth open while sleeping will cause a dry mouth in the morning as well.
Significance
As you sleep, your salivary glands decrease the flow of saliva, creating the typical morning dry mouth. Saliva consists of enzymes and proteins that aid in digestion, and it enhances your ability to taste. Saliva limits the growth of bacteria, helping prevent gum disease and gingivitis. Complications of dry mouth include dental decay, oral infections, inflammation of the lining of the mouth, cracked, bleeding gums and cuts on the tongue.
Treatment
If your dry mouth is due to side effects of medications, your doctor may choose to adjust your dosage. Drugs such as pilocarpine or cevimeline may be prescribed to help stimulate saliva. Sometimes artificial saliva is prescribed because of certain illnesses. There are some things you can do to improve your dry mouth: chew sugar free gum, sip on water throughout the day, limit caffeine, avoid mouthwash with alcohol, use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help fight bacteria. If your dry mouth is due to mouth breathing, learn to breathe through your nose and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
Considerations
Since dry mouth can affect the health of your teeth and gums, which can in turn affect your overall health, visit your dentist regularly. Take extra care in brushing your teeth and flossing at least twice a day.
