Dry Mouth Condition Has Many Causes

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Dry Mouth Condition Has Many Causes

Tue Oct 1, 9:07 AM ET

(HealthScoutNews) -- The name may not be familiar, but xerostomia -- more

commonly referred to as dry mouth -- is a common problem among adults. While

it has several causes, it is not a normal by-product of aging. Research has

shown that adults and children produce similar amounts of saliva, a shortage

of which causes this dry, unpleasant-tasting effect.

A problem for individuals with Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus, diabetes

and other immune diseases, dry mouth also can be caused by any of 400 or

more medications -- some prescription, some available over the counter. Many

of these meds are intended to treat high blood pressure or depression.

Others are antihistamines -- for treating asthma and allergies. When two or

more such medications are taken together, the dry mouth effect can be

compounded.

The condition can be further aggravated if, while taking " drying "

medications, you drink caffeinated, sweet or alcoholic beverages or you

smoke, or eat salty or sugary snacks.

Some cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, or radiation to the head or

neck, can cause dry mouth, too.

As well as making your mouth feel and taste unpleasant, dry mouth can

contribute to tooth decay because with too little saliva circulating in the

mouth, bacteria and food particles are left where they can be troublesome.

The condition could possibly be relieved by taking small, frequent sips of

water, sucking sugarless candies or chewing gum.