What Causes Dry Mouth

Just as there is no one single answer to what causes dry mouth, neither is there one single solution to dealing with the problem. Dry mouth, known in medical parlance as xerostomia, is essentially a lack of saliva in the oral cavity. It is also known familiarly as pasties or cottonmouth.

Some commonly known causes of dry mouth include:

1.       Certain diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Sjogrens syndrome, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, anemia, hypertension and cystic fibrosis

2.       Side effects from the use of certain drugs, both prescription and non-prescription. These include drugs used for the treatment of anxiety, depression, allergies, acne, nausea, diarrhea, incontinence and psychotic disorders

3.       Damage to the salivary glands resulting from radiation and/or chemotherapy used to treat cancer

4.       Nerve damage caused by either injuries to the head or neck area or surgery performed in these areas

5.       Dehydration

6.       Smoking or tobacco chewing

7.       Alcohol consumption

What causes dry mouth in one particular case may not hold true in another, although there are certain symptoms that may be common in most instances. In addition to a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth these will often include:

·         Recurrent thirst

·         Dryness in the throat

·         A burning feeling on the tongue

·         Raw, red tongue

·         Sore throat, hoarseness and dry nasal passages

·         Bad breath

Medications commonly having the side effect of causing dry mouth include antihistamines, antidepressants and amphetamines. Controlled substances such as marijuana, hashish, heroine and methamphetamines may also be a common cause for those using these drugs. In addition to the discomfort and inconvenience that goes along with dry mouth, this condition also significantly increases the sufferer's chances of contracting gum disease and other oral problems including mouth infections, tooth decay and gingivitis. It can also make it uncomfortable for the wearing of dentures.

To treat the condition of dry mouth, simply drinking more water may help. If the condition is caused from taking prescribed medications, reporting the problem to your doctor may allow him or her to adjust which drugs are being given. Using sugar-free candies or gum may bring temporary relief as can certain toothpastes and mouth rinses. You should breathe through your nose rather than through your mouth, as this can also help and, if you're a cigarette smoker, this is one more good reason to quit. Finally, a room vaporizer to add humidity to your home may be beneficial.

What most commonly causes dry mouth is the use of drugs, either prescription or non-prescription varieties. Other typical causes may include cigarette smoking, dehydration and habitual breathing through one's mouth rather than nose.