Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common condition that occurs when your salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Aging: As we age, our salivary glands may become less efficient, leading to reduced saliva production.
- Medications: Many medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics, can have dry mouth as a side effect.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy for cancer can damage the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth.
- Certain health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, stroke, and a yeast infection in the mouth can also cause dry mouth.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to a temporary dry mouth.
- Anxiety: Feeling anxious or stressed can also cause dry mouth.
While dry mouth can be a temporary inconvenience, it can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If you experience dry mouth frequently or it is severe, it's important to consult with a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.
