7 Causes of Dry Mouth

Suffering from dry mouth but not sure how to get rid of it? Dry mouth doesn’t just make it hard to chew, swallow or talk, but also increases your risk of decay and may cause other health concerns too. Also known as Xerostomia, this condition is far more common than you think and occurs when your salivary glands can’t product enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. At Studfield Dental Group, we go straight to the root of the problem, as identifying the underlying cause is often the first step to coming up with the best solution.

Let’s look at the seven most common factors behind dry mouth:

Your Age

You’re far more likely to experience dry mouth as you age. This is purely because many older adults have to take many medications or suffer from certain health conditions that result in having dry mouth as a symptom or side-effect. This, coupled with poor nutrition only increases your risk of dry mouth.

Side Effects of Medications

Did you know most over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines cause dry mouth? Medications used for anxiety, high-blood pressure, and depression cause dry mouth as a side-effect. Apart from these, various pain medications, antihistamines, and muscle relaxants also give way to this condition. Various medical treatments, and not just medication, could also cause dry mouth. This is especially true for chemotherapy and treatments that involve radiation in the neck and head areas. These treatments tend to damage the salivary glands, which reduces saliva production.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage, especially to the neck and head, can be a reason you’re experiencing dry mouth. Nerve damage to these areas most often occurs due to accidents, sports-related injuries or surgeries.

Certain Health Conditions

Various medical conditions can also cause you to experience dry mouth. These conditions include stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and hypertension. Apart from these, if you snore and breathe with your mouth open, this could also contribute to having dry mouth.

Lack of Water

If you are dehydrated, you’re more likely to experienced dry mouth. Vomiting, fever, excessive sweating, and diarrhea all result in dehydration and can lead to dry mouth. Or the simple reason may be that you just aren’t drinking enough water during the day!

Lifestyle Choices

Certain lifestyle habits can also be a reason for dry mouth. These lifestyle habits include smoking, drinking alcohol and chewing tobacco, all of which impact saliva production and lead to dehydration.

Are you suffering from dry mouth or any dental health issues? We can help you find the best solution for your problem. Call today to schedule your consultation with Studfield Dental Group.