What Can Cause Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth can caused by medical conditions and illnesses, medication side effects, medical treatments, injuries, and smoking. Having dry mouth can affect your taste, ability to chew and swallow, and even to speak. It also increases your risk of dental decay and mouth infections.

Medication Side Effects

Some prescription as well as over-the-counter medications can cause your mouth to be dry. They include medications for the treatment of depression, allergies and colds, hypertension, diarrhea, and asthma.

Illnesses

Diseases like Alzheimer's, HIV, diabetes, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and stroke can cause you to have dry mouth.

Medical Treatments

Dry mouth can develop as a result of your radiation or chemotherapy treatments of cancer.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage due to a head or neck injury can cause your mouth to be dry.

Dehydration

Fever, burns, illnesses that cause frequent vomiting and diarrhea, and extreme perspiration can all result in your becoming dehydrated and to have dry mouth.

Smoking

Smoking inhibits the production of saliva and can result in dry mouth.

Treatment

If you have dry mouth, consult your dentist or doctor for advice on how to treat it.

Resources

• Dry Mouth
• Colgate World of Care: Dry Mouth