Causes of Chronic Dry Mouth

What Causes Chronic Dry Mouth?

The medical term for chronic dry mouth is xerostomia. If your mouth always feels parched, it often leads to other problems like bad breath, poor oral hygiene, and a sticky, thick feeling in your mouth and throat.

What causes this problem? You experience a dry mouth when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Here are some of the main reasons this happens.

Potential Side Effect of Medical Treatment

Some people find their mouths get very dry after receiving medical treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications have this effect. They include antihistamines, decongestants, and pain medications.

If you’re only taking these medications for a few days, your dry mouth should clear up once you stop taking them.

Nerve Damage

Injuries to the neck area can cause nerve damage that reduces your salivary glands’ ability to work properly. If you’ve injured your neck area, get the injury checked by a doctor.

Tobacco Use

Smoking or using chewing tobacco can cause long-term, lingering dry mouth. Some vapers also report that their habit leaves them dehydrated.

Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol can dehydrate you. Recreational drugs like marijuana and methamphetamines can also cause chronic dry mouth.

Should You Worry About Chronic Dry Mouth?

A dry mouth that doesn’t go away can be cause for concern.
• The main complication is the effect it has on your oral health. Because saliva helps keep your teeth clean, lack of enough saliva can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease.
• Excessive dryness can cause cracks on your lips or in the corners of your mouth.
• In extreme cases, it can lead to problems chewing or swallowing food.
If you’re experiencing dry mouth, talk to your dentist about possible solutions.

How To Manage Chronic Dry Mouth

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water every day, and increase your water intake when exercising or spending time in the sun.
• Avoid some medications. Medications are a leading cause of dry mouth. The most common culprits are antihistamines, hormone medications, bronchodilators, and blood pressure medications.
• Chew sugarless gum. Chewing will stimulate saliva production. This is a short-term solution, but it can help.
• Increase the humidity in your home. If the air in your home is too dry, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Practice good oral hygiene. A dry mouth can often be a symptom of gingivitis and other dental problems. Improve your oral care routine, and visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup.

When To See a Dentist

We can all experience dry mouth occasionally. If your dry mouth is chronic, it may be time to see a doctor if you:
• Think your medications might be the cause of your dry mouth. Never stop taking medications without discussing them with your doctor.
• Have an underlying medical condition, including diabetes, depression, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety disorder, or kidney disease. Managing your illness will help you manage related symptoms like dry mouth.

Malan Family Dentistry Can Help

If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth, make an appointment with Malan Family Dental Clinic. We can help you figure out the cause of your dry mouth and suggest solutions. We’ll also make sure your dry mouth doesn’t result in gum disease or other dental problems.