A dry mouth it an issue that many patients experience at some point in their life. It can sometimes occur when patients are simply dehydrated or when patients feel especially anxious. When the mouth is chronically dry over long periods of time, it is called xerostomia. In some cases, this can be an indicator of an underlying health issue. There are also some types of medications which can cause xerostomia. When it remains untreated, xerostomia increases a patient's risk for issues such as tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems.
Xerostomia or dry mouth occurs when patients feel that they lack enough spit or saliva in their mouth. The salivary glands in the mouth naturally produce saliva. Saliva lubricates the mouth and also helps keep the mouth clean. It is normal for the mouth to be dry periodically. For example, the mouth becomes dry when patients are dehydrated or have not consumed enough water. A chronically dry mouth, however, is not normal and can suggest the presence of an underlying health condition. Xerostomia is often a side effect of specific medications such as an antihistamine, decongestant, antidepressant, and others.
Dry mouth is surprisingly common and affects nearly 20% of patients. Patients are more likely to experience a dry mouth as they get older.
Common symptoms and causes of xerostomia are summarized below. The most common symptom associated with xerostomia is a sticky feeling in the mouth. This is simply due to low amounts of saliva. While speaking, it can feel as though the tongue sticks to the roof of the mouth.
Other symptoms associated with a dry mouth can include the following:
- Bad breath or foul odor in the mouth
- Persistent sore throat
- Challenges in eating, speaking or swallowing
- Dryness in the nose
- Hoarse voice
- Feeling thirsty
- Pain in the mouth or sores on the lip, tongue, and mouth
- Loss of taste
- New issues with wearing dentures
More severe symptoms are less common, but may include tooth decay, dry skin or eyes, skin rash, and joint pain.
Xerostomia occurs when there is an issue with the salivary glands, resulting in a lower production of saliva. Common causes of the condition may include:
- Medications
- Underlying health problems
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Dehydration
- Mouth breathing, especially while sleeping
There are actually hundreds of medications, both prescription and over the counter, which can cause a lower production of saliva. A dry mouth is a common side effect listed for various medications. Medications which are known to cause a dry mouth are listed below:
1. Antianxiety drugs and antidepressants
2. Anticholinergics, drugs used for issues such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
3. Antihistamines, decongestants, and certain pain medications
4. Some high blood pressure drugs
5. Medications for Parkinson’s disease
The medical conditions listed below can also result in a dry mouth:
- Salivary stones or sialolithiasis
- Salivary gland inflammation or sialadenitis
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
- A stroke
- Sjogren’s syndrome
Dentists will evaluate the patient’s mouth during an examination to look for signs of xerostomia. The tongue or inner cheeks may have a dry and textured appearance. Normally, these tissues are smooth, shiny, and moist. The dentist may also use a piece of gauze to dab around the salivary glands to determine how much saliva a patient is producing. Cavities and gum disease can also occur from a chronically dry mouth.
If you are dealing with consistent dry mouth, reach out today.