What Causes Dry Mouth? 

When salivary glands in the mouth don’t produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet, what happens is known as dry mouth or xerostomia. Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, including illnesses, medications, and lifestyle modifications. 

Undoubtedly, feeling as though your mouth is dry is uncomfortable. But to treat it, your doctor must determine what caused the dry mouth. For this reason, Dr. Özlem Özcan Clinic suggests visiting a dentist to understand the reasons for dry mouth and how to treat the conditions that lead to it. 

Let’s take a look at what causes dry mouth now. 

Medical Conditions Associated with Dry Mouth 

Your saliva glands may occasionally break down as a result of medical issues. Several illnesses can be among the causes of xerostomia, such as diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune diseases, and hypertension.

Furthermore, certain medical procedures like chemotherapy for cancer or injuries to the head and neck can change how much saliva is produced in the mouth. This is why it is important to detect what causes dry mouth.

Diabetes and its Link to Dry Mouth 

While not all diabetics experience dry mouth, both type 1 and type 2 diabetics are at risk for developing this condition. These two forms of diabetics experience dry mouth because their blood sugar levels are higher, which exacerbates the condition.

See a doctor if you believe that this symptom is being caused by an elevated blood sugar level. To help you reduce your high blood sugar, your doctor might develop a diet plan. If your blood sugar is high, you might attempt the following advice from Dr. Özlem Özcan Clinic:

1. Consume low sugary foods and drinks
2. Eat high-fiber foods
3. Take your medications as suggested by your doctor
4. Visit your dentist for regular dental checkups

Medications That Can Cause Dry Mouth 

Some medications could make you feel dry-mouthed. Dry mouth is a common side effect of numerous medications, as can be seen when you look up the causes of dry mouth. What then causes mouth dryness? Which medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect?

Here is the list of medications that can cause dry mouth:

1. Antidepressants (for depression and anxiety)
2. Antihistamines (for allergies)
3. Some medications for cold, pain, acne, and nausea
4. Obesity, epilepsy, asthma medications

Antidepressants and Their Effects on Salivary Glands 

Antidepressant-treated patients may have some dry mouth symptoms. Patients who use antidepressants may experience hypofunction of the salivary glands, which can lead to dry mouth complaints.

This is a side effect that most antidepressant patients experience. The most frequent complaints are about having trouble swallowing or chewing meals. Additionally, they lament the discomfort in their mouths and changes in taste perception brought on by insufficient salivary flow.

Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Dry Mouth 

Your oral health is influenced by your lifestyle choices, diet, and stress levels from work and school. In case you’re wondering what causes dry mouth, we can inform you that your lifestyle plays a role.

According to Dr. Özlem Özcan Clinic, the following are factors behind dry mouth issues:

1. Consuming too much acidic or sugary foods and beverages
2. Drinking alcohol and smoking
3. Having a lot of stress and anxiety
4. Having sleeping problems

All of the previously listed causes have an impact on your dental health and can cause dry mouth. You may have symptoms like dry and cracked lips, sore throats, and more as a result. Because of this, it is recommended that you see your doctor if you experience any of these issues.

Smoking and its Impact on Saliva Production 

Smoking unquestionably has an impact on dental health. The damage smoking causes to one’s oral health extends beyond only dry mouth. Long-term effects of smoking include altered salivary flow, gum disease, and tooth loss. 

According to Dr. Özlem Özcan Clinic, smokers experience a decrease in salivary flow and are more likely to experience at least one dry mouth problem. For this reason, it’s even more important to visit your dentist more often if you smoke. 

Other Potential Causes of Dry Mouth 

In addition to medication intake, medical conditions, stress levels, and alcohol and tobacco consumption, there may be additional factors that contribute to dry mouth. Age and snoring are two of the most well-known causes of dry mouth. 

The prevalence of dry mouth problems is higher in older persons than in young adults. You’ll discover that dry mouth can also result from snoring and sleeping with your mouth open. Regular dental exams with your dentist are essential since dry mouth can exacerbate dental diseases. 

However, you may be dehydrated, which could explain your dry mouth. If so, make an effort to stay hydrated and treat your dry mouth by consuming at least eight glasses of water per day.

Stress and Its Influence on Oral Dryness 

Everybody has a dry mouth occasionally. Furthermore, stress is typically one of the sources of dry mouth. Dry mouth is said to be triggered by a variety of factors, most of the time. You shouldn’t disregard your degree of tension because of this.

In addition to dry mouth, stress is a major cause of oral disorders. To overcome your dental health concerns and stress, you must speak with your dentist and schedule a visit with a physiologist. You can visit the Dr. Özlem Özcan Clinic website for additional information.

FAQs on Understanding Dry Mouth Causes