What causes dry mouth?

Various: There are a multitude of cause of dry mouth. In our modern society, i think the biggest cause is side-effects of prescription medication. If you take rx meds and are having dry mouth discuss with your doctor. Other causes are autoimmune disorders, disorders of the salivary glands or ducts, and other illnesses. Discuss with your doctor and dentist. Do not suck on hard candy as some doctors recommen.

Many Possibilities: Dry mouth or "xerostomia" is a condition caused by a variety of conditions. Some are systemic conditions and others may be induced by a medication or supplements. Because a dry mouth can lead to an increase in dental decay amongst other problems, it is best to determine the cause and correct it. I recommend you see your md or dds for a careful evaluation and treatment.

What DOESN'T?: There are all sorts of things that can cause dry mouth, especially medications. Dry mouth is the number one side effect experienced among all prescription medications. There are also blockages in salivary ducts called sialolith's or autoimmune diseases like sjogrens disease. One way or another, the salivary glands just aren't getting the juices flowing.

Sometimes aging: Another possibility is age. Menopause can certainly contribute to a dry mouth. Regardless of the cause, make sure you're well hydrated.

Medications: Many drugs have dry mouth as a direct side effect. Issues with salivary glands can cause dry mouth but are much more rare the medication induced dry mouth. Sjogren's syndrome can also be another rare culprit.

Dry mouth: Common causes in my practice include anticholinergic side effects of medication, such as antidepressant or antihistamine meds, mouth breathing due to sinus or nasal problems, dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, and uncontrolled diabetes. It can be caused by autoimmune diseases such as sjogren's syndrome.

Dry mouth: Dry mouth has a lot of causes. Common causes are medications, especially diuretics. Other causes can be lack of adequate water intake, stress or rarely autoimmune disease (i.e., sjogrens syndrome).

Medications: Many medications can cause a dry mouth. So check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any meds. Allergies, mouth breathing, dehydration, the dry winter air can be causes also. Dry mouth can cause tooth decay so if your mouth is dry talk to your dentist about ways to protect your teeth.

Reduced saliva: Many causes: dehydration, many medications, mouth breathing, and medical conditions such as sjogren's syndrome. I would say that medications are probably the most common culprits... Keep yourself hydrated, artificial saliva may help (otc). If you take medications (antihistamines, antidepressants are very common), consult your doc... Good luck.

Many causes: It can be from excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol, not drinking enough water or related to the side effect some medications for treatment of blood pressure or mental health. Aging, post radiation treatment and some diseases like sjorgren's syndrome can also lead to dry mouth.