Anyone that suffers from a dry mouth knows that it is an annoying and a sometimes painful ordeal. Many people are just stuck with having a dry mouth, while others are suffering from an underlying medical condition or dealing with a habit that is causing the dry mouth. It is not uncommon for everyone to have a dry mouth at least once in their life; however, for those with reoccurring or prolonged instances of dry mouth it might be beneficial to consider all lifestyle habits and problems. Then, the true culprit behind the dry mouth can be found.
In order to eliminate a dry mouth, the source of the problem must be found. Many patients who are on numerous medications will suffer from a dry mouth as a result of a side effect of dry mouth remedies. Therefore, if the medication is causing the dry mouth, a doctor may need to prescribe a different medication or change the dosage on a specific medication. Many treatments such as radiation therapy for cancer cause a dry mouth. There are also several different diseases and health problems that can affect the salivary glands and lead to a dry mouth. Some of those diseases and health problems include:
v High blood pressure
v Sjogren’s syndrome
v Alzheimer’s disease
v Diabetes
v Mumps
v Anemia
v Cystic fibrosis
v Rheumatoid arthritis
v High blood pressure
v Parkinson’s disease
v Stroke
v Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Another cause of a dry mouth may be the result of a decreased production of saliva. If the salivary glands aren’t working to their full potential the normal amount of saliva isn’t in the mouth; therefore, causing a dry mouth. If this is the case, a doctor can prescribe medication or natural remedies for dry mouth that helps the salivary glands to work better and produce a sufficient amount of saliva to abate a dry mouth.
The food and drinks we consume can also contribute to a dry mouth. Foods that are salty and spicy absorb the saliva in the mouth and cause a dry mouth. These foods can also cause pain in the mouth. Drinks that are high in caffeine and sugar content can also cause the mouth to become dry; therefore, it is important to limit the intake of these types of drinks and drink an ample amount of water in order to stay hydrated and keep the mouth moist; therefore, dehydration causes the mouth to become dry.
Other dry mouth causes include, but are not limited to:
v Nerve damage
v Damaged or removed salivary glands
v Hormonal changes
v Lifestyle changes and habits