Causes of Dry Mouth

People get dry mouth when the salivary glands in the mouth do not work properly and insufficient saliva is produced to keep the mouth wet, leaving people with a distinct sticky, pasty sensation in their mouths. Unchecked, this dry mouth environment can result in foul breath or even mouth infections. Thus it is imperative that you know the causes of dry mouth to be able to counteract its effects. Here are several causes that can proceed to the occurrence of dry mouth:

1.) Medications: A side effect of various medications (prescription and non-prescription), dry mouth can be attributed to the use of drugs for the treatment of anxiety (anxiolytic), depression (antidepressants), colds and allergies (nasal decongestants and antihistamines), and hypertension (diuretics). Certain bronchodilators used for the treatment of asthma can also cause dry mouth. Illicit drugs like cannabis or marijuana can set off the same effect.

2.) Chemotherapy and radiotherapy: Radiation during radiotherapy can damage the salivary glands in the head and neck region while chemotherapy drugs can make the consistency of the saliva thicker giving the sensation of a dry mouth.

3.) Diseases: Some medical conditions can affect the production of saliva. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Sjögren's Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, poorly managed diabetes, stroke, and even mumps can produce dry mouth.

4.) Lifestyle: It is common knowledge that smoking kills. Another fact is that smoking and chewing tobacco can disrupt saliva production and result in a dry mouth environment. Consumption of alcoholic beverages which has dehydrating properties can affect the adequate supply of saliva as well. Constant breathing through the mouth can also be a factor.

5.) Surgery: Parotidectomy or the removal of the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland in the body, due to an infection, tumor or a salivary gland blockage will definitely result in a dry mouth.

6.) Nerve damage or trauma: Head or neck injuries injury can affect the nerves of the salivary glands that tell the salivary glands to make saliva.

7.) Dehydration: Dehydration caused by significant fluid loss likely seen in burns, excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea can cause dry mouth.



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