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Good question. Dry Mouth, or xerostomia, is a common medical condition characterized by a feeling of dryness in the mouth often caused by a decrease in saliva production. Think of the last time your mouth felt extremely parched and you’ll get a sense of what Dry Mouth sufferers experience on an ongoing basis. Unfortunately, more people are afflicted with Dry Mouth than you might think. In fact, Dry Mouth affects millions of people in the United States.
Leading causes of Dry Mouth:
- Use of some over-the-counter or prescription medicines
- Health conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome, Parkinson’s, hepatitis C, diabetes, hypertension, and depression
- Medical treatments including chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Other causes of Dry Mouth:
- Smoking
- Consuming beverages containing alcohol or caffeine
- Major life event stress (Death in family, divorce, new job, moving)
Common over-the-counter medications causing Dry Mouth:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Pain relievers
Common prescription medications causing Dry Mouth:
- Antihistamines
- Blood pressure medications
- Antidepressants
- Sedatives
- Painkillers
- Muscle relaxants
- Diuretics
Dry Mouth can have a negative impact on your quality of life. It can make speaking and swallowing difficult, cause bad breath, and decrease your ability to taste food. It can also lead to oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Common Dry Mouth symptoms:
- Dryness or stickiness in the mouth
- Soreness of the mouth or tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty speaking
- Sore cracked lips
- Bad breath
- Problems tasting
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