Dry mouth
Dry mouth can occur when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Dry mouth can be uncomfortable, and the lack of saliva can attract oral bacteria. Make an appointment with your dentist, who can help cure the condition by recommending the right dry mouth treatment or combination of methods for you.
Causes of dry mouth include:
- Side effect of certain medications . Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription drugs.
- Side effect of certain medical treatments. Damage to the salivary glands, the glands that make saliva, can reduce the amount of saliva produced.
- Lifestyle. Smoking or chewing tobacco can affect how much saliva you make and aggravate dry mouth. Breathing with your mouth open a lot can also contribute to the problem.
Common symptoms include:
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
- Frequent thirst
- Sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth; cracked lips
- A dry feeling in the throat
.
