Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is an oral disorder due to inadequate saliva production in the mouth. People with dry mouth also suffer from other health issues like dry throat, difficulty speaking, cracked lips, bad breath, etc. Read on to know more!
What are the Causes of Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is often a symptom of some other underlying disease. However, there can be other reasons as well. Some of them are listed below:
- You can suffer from dry mouth from excessive diarrhea, vomiting, blood loss, or sweating. It is because the body gets dehydrated due to the excessive loss of fluids.
- Some medicines also cause dry mouth. For example, medicines used to cure cancer, high blood pressure, asthma, and psychological disorders are often related to this problem.
- Radiation affects the salivary glands negatively, making them produce less saliva. So if you are under any radiation therapy, dry mouth can occur.
- Stress and anxiety also cause dryness of the mouth. When you are anxious, your body releases cortisol, which in turn reacts with the saliva, causing dry mouth.
- Smoking and drug use are also related to many oral disorders, dry mouth being one of them.
- Food items that are spicy and acidic can also lead to dry mouth. The same goes for caffeinated drinks and alcohol. None of them are good for your oral health.
- Lastly, if you breathe with your mouth or snore, the moisture inside your mouth will evaporate and create dryness.
Health Conditions that Cause Dryness of Mouth
Some of the major health disorders that cause dry mouth are:
- Dry mouth can be a common issue for type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients.
- Yeast infection in the mouth, called oral thrush, can also cause dry mouth.
- People with nervous disorders also suffer from dry mouth.
- Alzheimer’s disease obstructs the body's natural hydration, causing dry mouth.
- Autoimmune diseases cause inflammation of salivary glands, disturbing saliva production in the mouth.
- Cystic fibrosis also affects the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth
A few common symptoms include:
- Dry tongue and throat
- Mouth sores
- Bad breath
- Burning in mouth
- Cracked lips
- Not getting a proper taste
- Difficulty in speech, swallowing, and chewing food
Cure your dry mouth issues with Dr. Jeanne V. Devi, DDS. Call us at (626) 795-2544 or visit our website for more details and scheduling appointments. We are located at 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 603, Pasadena, CA 91101.
