Dry Mouth
Alternative Names:
Xerostomia
Definition:
Dry mouth is the feeling experienced when insufficient saliva is present in the mouth. Saliva is produced by salivary glands and plays a key role in tooth decay prevention, food digestion, protecting against infection and other important health processes.
Many widespread medications and illnesses can affect the salivary glands, resulting in decreased levels of saliva and a feeling of dry mouth. Occasional dry mouth is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, chronic dry mouth may lead to other complications or may be a sign of more serious underlying conditions.
Symptoms:
Patients with dry mouth may experience the following symptoms:
- A sticky feeling in the mouth
- Difficulty eating
- Burning and dry sensations
- Cracked lips
- A dry, rough tongue
- Mouth sores
- Sore throat
- Changes in sense of taste
- Mouth infection
- Bad breath
- Increased plaque and tooth decay
Exams/Testing:
If dry mouth is severe enough to warrant a doctor’s visit, your doctor will usually conduct a physical examination as well as a thorough review of your medical history and use of medications.
If necessary, your doctor may conduct tests that measure the productivity of salivary glands including:
- Sialometry
- Sialography
- Salivary scintigraphy
- Lip biopsy
Eye tests such as the Schirmer test, the Rose Bengal and others may be conducted. Blood tests may also be required to detect underlying illnesses that lead to dry mouth.
Outlook/Prognosis:
Mild or moderate dry mouth may subside without extensive treatment. Many simple home remedies can help alleviate discomfort including:
- Drinking water or other sugar-free liquids frequently
- Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy
- Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and other substances that can cause further dry mouth
- Using a humidifier, especially during sleep
- Avoiding spicy or salty foods that might worsen dry mouth
If your doctor suspects a specific medication may be the cause of your dry mouth, you may undergo a dose reduction or be prescribed alternative medication.
If your salivary glands are not functioning at full capacity, your doctor may prescribe medications that stimulate saliva production. Your doctor may also recommend the use of artificial saliva products.
Causes:
Dry mouth may result from a variety of causes. Some of the most common include:
- Use of certain medications
- Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments
- Nerve damage resulting from injury or surgery in the head or neck
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression
- Tobacco use
- Snoring or breathing with an open mouth
Other conditions may inhibit the ability to feel wetness in the mouth, causing a perception of dry mouth even if the salivary glands are producing sufficient saliva. Such conditions include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Stroke
Over 400 medications have been linked to dry mouth. Some of the most commonly-used are listed below.
Causes (specific drugs):
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