Causes, Symptoms and Remedies
Dry mouth is when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to wet your mouth. It’s terribly uncomfortable while you swallow, eat or speak. What would be the cause or causes of such a dilemma?
Certain medications can contribute to dry mouth. Likewise, anything that increases your risk for dry mouth also increases your risk for gum disease. Your daily oral care routine becomes more important than ever here. A professional cleaning during a time of increased risk, such as during pregnancy or before starting chemotherapy is essential.
Medications cause approximately 90 percent of all cases of dry mouth. You may not be able to continue your prescription, or you might have to reduce the dose or shift to another class of therapeutics on doctor’s advice. Antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories and anti-hypertensive medications are just some of the drugs that can contribute to a dry mouth.
In addition, chronic illnesses, like diabetes, kidney disease, or lupus, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can also cause it. Other situations can damage your saliva glands – like cancer treatment, use of methamphetamines, and injuries to the head or neck.
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