Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. There are various reasons for dry mouth. It can be caused by a variety of drugs, treatments, or lifestyle decisions. Read on this post to learn more about common causes of a dry mouth.
Causes of A Dry Mouth
Drugs and Medications
Dry mouth is a possible side effect of certain treatments and treatments, even when used at appropriate levels. If you’re unsure which medications cause dry mouth, look up the side effects on your prescription label and talk to your doctor. The following medications can induce dry mouth:
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines, which are used to treat allergy symptoms, can induce dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, low blood pressure, and other side effects.
- Decongestants: can help with cold, flu, and allergy symptoms, but they can also induce dry mouth. They can also raise blood pressure and make your heart beat faster.
- Pain relievers: Pain relievers influence the autonomic immune system, causing dry mouth, disorientation, irritation, and other side effects.
Antidepressants and hypertension medicines are two examples of pharmaceuticals that might induce dry mouth. If you’re experiencing dry mouth symptoms and you’re taking any drugs, look up the potential side effects and talk to your doctor.
Aging
One of the causes of a dry mouth is aging. As people get older, they often feel dry mouth. Use of specific medications, changes in the body’s ability to metabolize drugs, poor diet, and having long-term health problems are all contributing factors.
Cancer therapy
Chemotherapy medicines can alter the composition and quantity of saliva produced. It’s possible that this is only temporary, and that normal salivary flow will return after the treatment is over. Salivary glands can be damaged by radiation treatments to the head and neck, resulting in a significant decrease in saliva output. Depending on the radiation dose and area treated, this could be transient or permanent.
Dehydration
If you don’t drink enough water, your body may not be able to generate enough saliva. As a result of dehydration, you may have symptoms of dry mouth. Dehydration can also cause fatigue or confusion, as well as dark-colored urine and a quick heartbeat. Patients may pass out in severe circumstances. Dehydration is commonly caused by aerobic exertion, heat exposure, or a lack of water consumption.
If you suspect you’re dehydrated, drink plenty of water and get medical attention straight soon.
Damage or Removal of Salivary Glands
Your salivary flow rate may be reduced if your salivary glands are injured or destroyed. Infections or tumors are the most common reasons for gland removal. Swelling or obstructions, such as calcium-rich stones, cysts, or tumors, can cause damage.
Gum Recession
Gum recession can begin as early as adolescence, so you may have had it your entire life. Those healthy roots may become decay-prone if your mouth becomes extremely dry. Following the beginnings of a dry mouth, cavities can grow on many roots at the same time. If you have a history of gum recession, make an appointment with your dentist if you experience dry mouth.
Tobacco and alcohol use
Dry mouth symptoms can be exacerbated by drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco.
Nerve damage
Dry mouth can be caused by a head and neck accident or surgery that causes nerve damage.
Other health conditions
Dry mouth can be caused by autoimmune disorders such Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS, as well as medical disorders like diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush) in the mouth, or Alzheimer’s disease. Dry mouth can also be caused by snoring or breathing through your mouth.
Side Effects of a Dry Mouth
Gingivitis
Gingivitis, a frequent oral health problem, can be exacerbated by dry mouth. Inflammation, swelling, and redness of the gingiva, the area of the gum around the tooth base, are symptoms of gingivitis.
Decay of the teeth
Saliva aids in the protection of teeth from bacteria, acid, and food particles. It also aids in the remineralization of enamel. Tooth decay can occur if you don’t have enough saliva. Without the protection of saliva, bacteria in your mouth can feed on carbohydrates in your diet and form cavities.
Mouth Infections
Bacteria buildup produced by dry mouth might make you vulnerable to painful and serious oral infections. Bad breath or a bitter taste in the mouth, pain and swelling, tooth sensitivity, and fever are all signs of a mouth infection.
