Dry Mouth
Saliva is necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids
produced by plaque and washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue,
gums, and cheeks. Saliva also helps digest food, prevents infection by
controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth, and makes it possible for you to
taste, chew, and swallow your food. Dry mouth occurs when the flow of saliva is
reduced and there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth moist.
What causes dry mouth?
There are several causes of dry mouth:
- Side effect of certain medications. Dry mouth is a common
side effect of many prescription and nonprescription drugs, including drugs
used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies and colds (antihistamines
and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics),
diarrhea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain
bronchodilators), and Parkinson’s disease. Dry mouth is also a side effect
of muscle relaxants and sedatives.
- Side effect of certain diseases and infections. Dry mouth
can be a side effect of medical conditions, including Sjögren’s syndrome,
HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid
arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and mumps.
- Side effect of certain medical treatments. The
salivary glands (which produce saliva), can be damaged, for example, from radiation
to the head and neck and chemotherapy treatments for cancer. This can reduce the
amount of saliva produced.
- Nerve damage. Dry mouth can be a result of nerve damage to
the head and neck area from an injury or surgery.
- Dehydration. Conditions that lead to dehydration, such as
fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns, can cause
dry mouth.
- Surgical removal of the salivary glands
- Lifestyle. Smoking or chewing tobacco can affect saliva
production and aggravate dry mouth. Continuously breathing with your mouth
open can also contribute to the problem.
What are the symptoms of dry mouth?
Common symptoms of dry mouth include:
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
- Frequent thirst
- Sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the
mouth; cracked lips
- A dry feeling in the throat
- A constant sore throat
- A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on
the tongue
- A dry, red, raw tongue
- Problems speaking; difficulty tasting, chewing, and swallowing
- Hoarseness, dry nasal passages
- Bad breath
Why is dry mouth a problem?
Besides causing the aggravating symptoms mentioned above, dry mouth also
increases a person's risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and mouth infections,
such as thrush. Dry mouth can also make it difficult to wear dentures.
How is dry mouth treated?
If your dry mouth is caused by medication you are taking, your doctor
may adjust the dose or switch you to a
different drug that doesn’t cause dry mouth.
In addition, an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture may be prescribed. If
that doesn’t help, a medication that stimulates saliva production, called Salagen, may be prescribed.
Other steps you can take that may help improve saliva flow include:
- Sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum
- Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
- Protecting your teeth by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, using a
fluoride rinse, and visiting your dentist regularly
- Breathing through your nose, not your mouth, as much as possible
- Using a room vaporizer in your bedroom to add moisture
©
Copyright 1995-2007 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved
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