Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. It can be caused by various factors, including medications, aging, cancer therapy, nerve damage, certain health conditions, tobacco and alcohol use, and recreational drug use. Dry mouth can have a significant impact on your oral health, general health, and overall enjoyment of food.
Symptoms of dry mouth include a dry or sticky feeling in the mouth, thick and stringy saliva, bad breath, difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing, a dry or sore throat, a grooved tongue, a changed sense of taste, and problems wearing dentures. Dry mouth can also lead to lipstick sticking to the teeth.
Complications of dry mouth can include increased plaque, tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, yeast infection in the mouth (thrush), sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth, cracked lips, and poor nutrition due to problems with chewing and swallowing.
To diagnose the cause of dry mouth, your doctor will review your medical history, medications, and examine your mouth. Blood tests, imaging scans of the salivary glands, or tests to measure saliva production may be necessary. If Sjogren’s syndrome is suspected, a biopsy of salivary gland cells may be taken for testing.
Treatment for dry mouth depends on the underlying cause. Options include adjusting medications, using moisturizing products such as mouth rinses, artificial saliva, or moisturizers, and prescription medications that stimulate saliva production. Additional measures may involve teeth protection through fluoride trays or chlorhexidine rinses to control cavities.
In summary, dry mouth is a condition characterized by insufficient saliva production. It can be caused by medications, aging, cancer therapy, nerve damage, health conditions, tobacco and alcohol use, and recreational drug use. Dry mouth can lead to various complications, but treatment options are available based on the cause.