Dry mouth is a condition marked by the deficit of saliva in the mouth. When there is a lack of saliva, the mouth becomes both dry and uncomfortable. Treatment of dry mouth should not be done solely for physical comfort. This is because saliva moistens the mouth, rinses away the bacteria and helps us to digest food. As such, having adequate saliva in the mouth is essential for a healthy mouth. Here are some causes of dry mouth:
* Lifestyle
Smoking or chewing tobacco affects the production of saliva and may results in dry mouth.
* Consumption of certain medications
Dry mouth is a side effect of certain medications which are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions and disorders such as acne, allergies, asthma anxiety, depression, diarrhoea, etc.
* Medical conditions
Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain diseases and infections such as anemia, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, etc.
* Medical treatment and therapy
Dry mouth can be a side effect of treatments that damage the salivary glands. This includes chemotherapy treatment for cancer, with the radiation damaging the salivary glands in the mouth.
* Nerve damage
Dry mouth can result from nerve damage to the nerves that control salivary glands. This can impair saliva production and result in dry mouth.
* Dehydration
Several medical conditions such as blood loss, burns, diarrhoea and fever can reduce water content in the body and hence cause dry mouth.