Dry mouth, properly called xerostomia, is exactly what it sounds like. The mouth becomes drier than it should be. Dry mouth is usually more of an uncomfortable symptom or side effect than a condition itself. It can, nonetheless, result in some complications. Here’s a look at the causes, symptoms, complications, and treatments of xerostomia.
Causes of Dry Mouth
Ultimately, dry mouth occurs because the salivary glands fail to function properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, hundreds of medications, both over the counter and prescription, can cause dry mouth. Those most responsible for xerostomia include:
- Antidepressants
- Medications specific to nerve pain
- Medications used to treat anxiety
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Muscle relaxants and other pain medications
Certain cancer treatments may incite dry mouth as well. Chemotherapy interferes with both the quality and quantity of spit, while radiation can damage the glands that produce spit. Some illegal recreational drugs, such as methamphetamine, can increase dry mouth, as can some legal bad habits, such as tobacco products.
Dry mouth may also be a symptom of some medical conditions. Damage to the nerves in the head and neck area may interfere with saliva production. Autoimmune disorders, such as HIV/AIDS, may cause xerostomia. Sjogren’s syndrome, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects patients on a systemic level, is also known for causing xerostomia. Congestion may eventually cause dry mouth, if it necessitates breathing with an open mouth, as can snoring.
Older adults are more likely to have dry mouth, simply because they are more likely to take drugs of which it is a side effect, and are more likely to have medical conditions of which it is a symptom.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
While the characteristic symptom of dry mouth is obviously a dry mouth, other symptoms may be produced as a result of that lack of saliva. Your spit may change in consistency, becoming thicker. Saliva actually has an antibacterial agent, and so insufficient amounts may lead to bad breath, often caused by a buildup of bacteria. Furthermore, without moisture, it is more difficult to get food particles out of the mouth. For this reason, it can be difficult to chew and swallow, and dry mouth may even interfere with speaking. The additional bacteria and food particles can contribute to tooth decay and gum inflammation or disease. Many people notice things don’t taste the same with dry mouth. Dentures, also, can be difficult to work with.
Complications of Dry Mouth
The presence of dry mouth, combined with the additional symptoms it creates, can cause a fairly unhealthy mouth. More plaque may build up on the teeth, leading to more severe issues with the teeth and gums. Sores may develop and not heal as easily; the corners of the mouth may crack, along with the rest of the lips. The tongue can develop a thick coating, and fungal infections become more likely. Perhaps most importantly, the difficulties dry mouth causes when trying to eat or drink may tend to inhibit a normal appetite, leading to malnutrition.
Treatments for Dry Mouth
If dry mouth is a result of your medication, the easiest option may be finding an alternative that is not as detrimental to the salivary glands. If this is not an option, or if your dry mouth is the result of an underlying condition, there are a variety of products that can help introduce moisture back into the mouth. These products include mouth rinses and even artificial saliva.
Extreme cases of dry mouth may be helped by medications that actually stimulate the production of spit; pilocarpine and cevimeline are two common prescription medications. Severe dry mouth that does not respond well to treatment may require extra protection for the teeth, such as a strong antimicrobial mouthwash or fluoride soak. If you have been experiencing dry mouth, talk to your doctor or dentist about the best treatment options for you.
