A dry mouth or xerostomia happens when the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva.
When you suffer from dry mouth, it can contribute to several discomforts that may affect the overall quality of your life, such as difficulty in swallowing and chewing your food. If it’s persistent, dry mouth can be a symptom of an underlying problem.
This guide will cover common causes of dry mouth.
What are the causes of dry mouth?
There are many causes of the dry mouth, including:
Existing Health Conditions
Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome are some of the most significant causes of dry mouth. It can also be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, salivary gland infections, and diabetes. These diseases can cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy salivary glands, reducing saliva production.
Medical Side Effects
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, dry mouth is a side effect of more than 400 medications.
These include:
- non-prescription pills for allergies and cold symptoms, and
- prescription drugs for high blood pressure,
- bladder-control medications, and
- mental health issues pills.
Other causes of dry mouth are from doing radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
But medication effect varies from person to person. If you’re intaking these medicines, talk to your doctor to see if an alternative is available.
Pregnancy
A dry mouth is a usual symptom of pregnancy. This is primarily because your body needs more water than average for the baby’s development.
Lifestyle Choices
What you eat can have an impact on your oral health.
Excessive drinking of alcohol, smoking, or chewing tobacco will cause dehydration that will also reduce and thicken saliva. Consuming both salty and sugary foods can also be why you have a dry mouth. Other reasons can be from breathing through your mouth too often or not hydrating throughout the day.
Treat your Dry Mouth at Crossroads Family Dentistry
The dentists at Crossroads Family Dentistry can determine dry mouth long before the patient becomes aware of its existence. Book a check-up appointment with us now.