You feel like you drink a lot of water all day long, but your mouth still feels dry, pasty or uncomfortable. It is a frustrating experience, one that many dismiss as mildly irritating. But persistent dry mouth — whose medical term is xerostomia — may be more than just a problem with hydration. It happens when the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, and the causes can be surprisingly complicated.
Saliva is important for maintaining oral health. It aids digestion, keeps cavities at bay and prevents infection by controlling bacteria. “When saliva levels are low, it’s not just unpleasant — it can also cause bad breath, make swallowing more difficult and raise the risk of cavities and oral infections,” says Dr Rahul Menon, a leading oral health specialist based in Bengaluru.
Also Read: Ageing and oral health: Lesser-known signs that your mouth is ageing faster than you are
Side Effects of Medications
Some medications for allergies, depression, anxiety and high blood pressure can decrease saliva flow.
Remedy: Consult a doctor regarding changing the dosage or trying different drugs with milder side effects.
Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress can put the body in its “fight or flight” mode, which slows saliva production.
Fix: Engage in relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, yoga or mindfulness to help calm the nervous system.
Diabetes
Elevated levels of blood sugar can dehydrate tissues and reduce saliva.
Fix: Regulate blood sugar through medicine, diet, and exercise to reduce dryness.
Autoimmune Disorders (e.g., Sjögren’s Syndrome)
This disease affects the salivary glands causing a critical reduction in saliva production.
Fix: Early medical treatment and therapies and saliva substitutes can reduce symptoms.
Hormonal Changes
Menopause and other hormonal changes can also impact the body’s moisture levels, including in the mouth.
Fix: Ask your physician about hormone therapy or changes in lifestyle that can help you keep it all in balance.
Smoking and Alcohol Use
Cigarettes and alcohol Smoking can damage salivary glands and decrease saliva.
Drugs can also cause dry mouth as a side effect, so if you take one and have noticed that it’s affecting your mouth in this way, speak with your doctor about a possible alternative.
Fix: Reduce or stop smoking and alcohol; choose sugar-free gum or lozenges to promote saliva formation.
Mouth Breathing
Sleeping or mouth breathing, particularly caused by congestion could desiccate oral lining.
Fix: Address blockages in the nose and run a humidifier at night to keep air moist.
Dehydrating Foods and Caffeine
Caffeine, salty snacks and carbonated beverages may raise fluid loss, as well as irritate mouth tissues.
Fix: Practice portion control and eat more water-rich fruits and vegetables.
Also Read: Dehydration signs you should not ignore: Dry mouth, swollen tongue, fatigue, headache
Nerve Damage or Radiation Therapy
Salivary glands may become damaged and result in reduced production through injury or radiation to the head and neck.
Remedy: There may be medical interventions such as saliva substitutes, or specialized dental care.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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