Dry Mouth
Dry mouth what is it?
Dry mouth is sometimes called xerostomia. It is abnormal dryness of the mucous membranes in the mouth, due to a reduction of the flow or change in the composition of saliva.
What are the causes of a dry mouth?
Having a dry mouth is normally a symptom or side affect of another treatment of ailment. Some of the causes of dry mouth include:
- Medication
- Radiotherapy
- Mouth breathing
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
- Sjögren's Syndrome - a condition caused by wasting of the salivary glands. It is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and dryness of the eyes
What are the treatments for a dry mouth?
If possible you should seek advice and treat the cause of the dry mouth. For example dehydration can often be treated.
There are also some practical actions which can help whatever the cause may be: