What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) is caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth. Conditions that affect the salivary glands may interfere with their function and prevent them from working properly. The salivary glands help keep your mouth moist. The composition of the saliva also help prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. Saliva helps buffer oral acid thereby limiting the effect bacteria may have on tooth surfaces.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are the most common cause of dry mouth. In fact, more than 400 medications can contribute to mouth dryness. The most common troublemakers are antihypertensives, antidepressants, painkillers, tranquilizers, diuretics, and antihistamines.
Dry mouth may be a sign of a serious health condition or may occur when a person is upset or experiences stress. It also can be caused by radiation therapy and chemotherapy, hormonal alterations or diseases such as AIDS, diabetes, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease or those who suffer a stroke may experience dry mouth. Approximately 30 percent of persons over the age of 65 are affected by dry mouth.
