Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common condition that many people experience. It happens when saliva production in the mouth declines, resulting in pain and other problems with oral health. While having a dry mouth occasionally can be mistaken for a small bother, it can also indicate serious health issues. Let’s look at six causes of dry mouth in this article.

Medication is one of the most frequent causes of dry mouth. A reduction in salivary secretion can be brought on by a variety of drugs, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics. Ask your doctor if there are any alternatives that might not have the same side effects if you are taking medication and suffering from dry mouth.

Another typical reason your mouth is dry is dehydration. Your body needs water to generate enough saliva, which it lacks when you are dehydrated. This can be brought on by not drinking a significant amount of fluids daily, profuse sweating, or a fever. Make sure you consume ample amounts of water throughout the day to avoid the dry mouth that can result from dehydration.

Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose can also lead to a dry mouth. This is because when you breathe through your mouth, the air passes over your tongue and the roof of your mouth, which can cause the saliva to evaporate more quickly. If you frequently breathe through your mouth, try to train yourself to breathe through your nose instead.

Our bodies undergo physiological changes as we get older. These modifications may have an impact on how our bodies work and decrease salivation. As we age, the salivary glands that create saliva may become less effective, which would result in less saliva being produced. Health problems, such as dry mouth, result from this. If you are over 65 and have a dry mouth, it can just be a normal aspect of getting older.

Some health problems, like diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease, impact the glands that produce saliva, resulting in a decrease in saliva production. Decreased saliva production equals a dry mouth. If you have one of these problems and are having a dry mouth, speak with your doctor to see if there are any treatments or medications that can help.

A dry mouth is caused by a variety of lifestyle factors. They include smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming caffeine. While smoking because it reduces blood supply to the salivary glands, alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body, resulting in a dry mouth. If you have a dry mouth and practice any of these habits, consider reducing or eliminating them to see if it helps.

Our expert dentists and hygienists at Mission Hills Dental can treat dry mouth and other oral health conditions. We provide exams, cleanings, and dry mouth treatments. Make an appointment today!