Dry mouth can occasionally happen if you are dehydrated or feeling especially anxious. But when your mouth is dry all the time, or xerostomia, it might suggest an underlying health condition. Particular medications can also cause it. If left untreated, xerostomia will make you more vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease and other dental issues.
Xerostomia, dry mouth, is the sensation you might feel when you do not have enough saliva, or spit. The purpose of the salivary glands in your mouth is to produce saliva to lubricate your mouth and help keep it clean.
Occasional dry mouth is perfectly normal. For example, your mouth will get dry when you are dehydrated. But chronic dry mouth, when your mouth is dry all the time, can point to an underlying health condition. Quite often, xerostomia is a side effect of some medications, including decongestants, antihistamines, and some antidepressants.
How Common is Xerostomia or Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is quite regular, affecting about 1 in 5 people. Your risk and frequency for dry mouth increases with age.
Symptoms of Xerostomia
The primary symptom of xerostomia is a feeling of stickiness in your mouth from a lack of saliva. When you speak, it may feel like your tongue is trying to stick to the roof of your mouth.
Other common dry mouth symptoms include:
- Bad breath.
- A constant sore throat.
- Difficulty eating, speaking, or swallowing.
- A dry feeling in your nose.
- Hoarseness.
- Increased thirst.
- Lip, tongue and mouth sores or discomfort.
- A disorder with your taste.
- Difficulty wearing dentures.
More severe symptoms could include:
- Tooth decay.
- Dry eyes and dry skin.
- A Skin rash.
- Joint pain.
Common Causes of Xerostomia
Xerostomia happens when something causes your salivary glands to produce less saliva, such as:
- Some certain medications.
- Underlying health conditions.
- Radiation therapy, mainly for head and neck cancer.
- Chemotherapy drugs.
- Dehydration.
- Breathing through your mouth.
Medications that can Cause Xerostomia
Hundreds of medications, both prescription and over the counter, can decrease your body’s saliva production. If you check the label on your medication, you might see dry mouth listed as a side effect.
Some medicines known to cause dry mouth include:
- Antianxiety drugs and antidepressants.
- Antihistamines, decongestants, and some pain medicines.
- Some drugs for high blood pressure.
- Anticholinergics, drugs used to treat conditions like urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
- Parkinson’s disease medications.
Health Problems causing Xerostomia
Some medical conditions are more likely to cause dry mouth, including:
- Salivary stones.
- Salivary gland inflammation.
- Diabetes.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- A stroke.
- Sjogren’s syndrome.
Will Your Xerostomia Go Away?
You can successfully manage your dry mouth symptoms with proper treatment. In some cases, xerostomia may go away completely. It often takes trial and error to figure out a solution. Your dentist may adjust your medications. Or they might refer you to a specialist if they suspect you have an underlying health condition.
The best thing you can do is stay in touch with your dentist and let them know about any new symptoms. In some cases, your dentist and your primary care physician will work together to find appropriate treatment.