Dehydration
Dehydration adversely affects the salivary glands, resulting in a reduced saliva output, which can lead to dry mouth (known medically as Xerostomia). This condition increases the risk of developing oral ulcers, a rough tongue, and chapped lips. It’s important to note that dehydration can occur for various reasons, including insufficient fluid intake and certain health conditions such as blood loss, chronic diarrhea, and kidney failure.
Hot Weather
Engaging in physical activities or playing outdoors in hot weather for extended periods can lead to dehydration of the salivary glands. This occurs as the body’s fluids become concentrated in other areas to cope with the heat.
Aging
It is a common misconception that dry mouth is a natural part of aging. In reality, this condition often results from older individuals taking multiple medications that can cause dryness.
Medications
Dry mouth is a frequently reported side effect of many medications, including:
- Antidepressants, anxiolytics, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, as well as sedatives.
- Allergy medications.
- Cold medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants.
- Diuretics used to treat high blood pressure.
- Medications for diarrhea, nausea, or Parkinson’s disease.
- Certain bronchodilators used in asthma treatment.
- Drugs for urinary incontinence, obesity, or acne.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy affects the quantity of saliva produced and alters its composition, while radiation therapy for head and neck cancers can damage the salivary glands, subsequently reducing saliva production and causing dry mouth.
Certain Diseases and Infections
Several diseases can lead to feelings of dry mouth, including:
- Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects salivary glands and eyes, and sometimes sweat glands.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Diabetes.
- Bacterial or viral infections affecting the salivary glands, such as mumps.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Salivary gland stones that obstruct saliva flow.
- Amyloidosis.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Lupus.
- Other conditions such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Hypertension.
- Stroke.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
Mouth Breathing
Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a dry throat, which may arise from various issues, including nasal obstruction and sinus congestion.
Other Causes
Other factors contributing to dry mouth include:
- Surgical procedures and physical injuries that damage the nerves in the head or neck.
- Tobacco use, whether through smoking or chewing.
- Botulism poisoning.
- Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or menopause.