Dry Mouth Explained

Dry mouth can be caused by many things, but it can largely be broken into the following categories:

By examining each of these possibilities closer, you and your doctor may be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your problem.

Medications: More than 400 medications produce the side effect of reduced saliva production [source: DeVizo]. The types of drugs which typically cause dry mouth include high-blood pressure medicines, anti-anxiety and cold medicine. Incontinence and diarrhea medications, muscle relaxants and drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's can also lead to dry mouth [source: Mayo Clinic].

Cancer Treatment: Radiation can harm glands which create saliva. Chemotherapy can also change the consistency of your saliva -- the amount of saliva may not change but you'll still have "cotton mouth" [sources: NIDCR; Mayo Clinic].

Disease: Sjorgen's Syndrome is closely associated with dry mouth. Approximately 4 million people in the United States alone suffer from the autoimmune disease which affects glands that produce moisture [source: Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation]. Other diseases which can cause dry mouth include HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's and diabetes [source: Mayo Clinic].

Tobacco Use: It's well-documented that smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can lead to premature aging like wrinkling. Naturally, the effects of tobacco on the mouth are no different. Tobacco products reduce moisture leading to dry mouth [source: NIDCR].

While the above categories represent the majority of dry mouth causes, there are others. Saliva is secreted at the direction of the brain and nervous system. For that reason, any damage to the nervous system can also result in dry mouth because the salivary glands are not getting the correct signals. A head or neck injury is an example of a relatively rare, though plausible, cause of dry mouth [source: NIDCR].

Once you've been able to determine the cause of dry mouth, you can explore the remedies and treatments available.

If you are taking a medication that your dentist or physician thinks may be causing dry mouth, he or she will likely want to experiment with other drug options. Since each body has its unique qualities and weaknesses, there may be an alternative medication that will work well for you without reducing, changing the consistency of or eliminating saliva.

Drugs such as Evoxac and Salogen are specifically designed to increase saliva production [source: Mayo Clinic]. Sprays, creams and ointments are also available to act as replacements for saliva so you can avoid the discomfort of dry mouth and avoid the resulting bacteria buildup which can cause mouth sores and cavities [source: NIDCR].

Momentary flare ups of dry mouth can be addressed with many different options. For instance, sugar-free candies or gum will help stimulate saliva production. You could also keep a bottle of water or crushed ice handy. And if you're suffering through a bout of dry mouth, a humidifier can be a great help, too -- since you can't bring it with you, you'll want to take full advantage of its hydrating effects while you're sleeping.

A variety of lifestyle changes can prevent or reduce the symptoms of dry mouth. Be aware of how you're breathing -- concentrate on breathing through your nose instead of your mouth. Remember that caffeine has a drying effect. Coffees, teas and sodas should be limited or avoided. Salt, alcohol and tobacco can also be eliminated or reduced to enhance moisture in your mouth [sources: Mayo Clinic; NIDCR]. Decongestants and antihistamines may dry you mouth as well.

Cases of dry mouth can be mild or severe, temporary or chronic. But the options available and the potential for ridding yourself of the problem are also quite good.

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