Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a condition characterized by inadequate saliva production by the salivary glands. This lack of saliva disrupts the natural moisture balance in the mouth, leading to discomfort and difficulties with speaking, swallowing, tasting, and chewing. Saliva is critical in maintaining oral health, as it helps to neutralize acids produced by bacteria, limits bacterial growth, removes food particles, and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth, thus protecting against microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease. Xerostomia can lead to various complications, including an increased risk of dental caries (tooth decay), oral yeast infections, gingivitis (gum disease), and halitosis (bad breath).

Different factors can contribute to dry mouth, including side effects of certain medications, systemic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease, as well as radiation therapy to the head and neck regions during cancer treatment. Dehydration, smoking, and nerve damage can also result in reduced saliva production. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, which can involve using saliva substitutes, increasing fluid intake, maintaining good oral hygiene, and potentially managing any underlying condition causing the dryness. Stimulants such as sugar-free gum or candies can also promote saliva flow. If medication is determined to be the cause, a doctor may adjust the dosage or prescribe an alternative.