A symptom of certain diseases or a side effect of some medications that interfere with the ability of the salivary glands to function properly. The medical term is xerostomia. While dry mouth is a symptom rather than a disease, it can present significant health problems. It may contribute to poor nutrition, tooth decay, and other infections of the mouth. People who experience dry mouth should seek attention from a physician, a dentist, or both.
Decreased production or lack of saliva. This condition may be due to the action of drugs such as diuretics, antihistamines, and anticholinergics; dehydration; anxiety; radiation therapy to the head or neck; or Sjogren’s syndrome (an autoimmune disease that affects the salivary glands).
Dry mouth is a condition arising from insufficient saliva production. Typically, this issue is transient and can be triggered by factors like anxiety, salivary gland infections, or the use of anticholinergic medications.
In exceptional cases, lasting dry mouth might stem from Sjögren’s syndrome or radiotherapy used in mouth cancer treatment. This persistent dryness can lead to challenges in swallowing and speaking, reduced sense of taste, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Using artificial saliva spray or taking pilocarpine tablets can offer potential relief.