Many patients experience dry mouth, or xerostomia, a condition caused by reduced saliva production. While it may seem like a minor discomfort, dry mouth can significantly affect your oral health, daily comfort, and quality of life.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Sticky, dry feeling in the mouth or throat
- Cracked lips and mouth sores
- Burning or tingling on the tongue
- Changes in taste
- Bad breath
- Frequent thirst
More Than Just Discomfort
Dry mouth isn’t just unpleasant—it can lead to more serious problems, such as:
- Rampant tooth decay due to lack of saliva’s protective effects
- Disturbed sleep, especially when dry mouth worsens overnight
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Xerostomia can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Side effects of medications (especially for blood pressure, depression, or allergies)
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, or autoimmune diseases
- Cancer treatments, especially radiation to the head and neck
- Infections and dehydration
