“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. This can cause discomfort, difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and tasting food, as well as increase the risk of oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
There are many possible causes of dry mouth, including certain medications, dehydration, smoking, alcohol consumption, nerve damage, autoimmune diseases, and radiation therapy for cancer. Treatment options for dry mouth depend on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, saliva substitutes, and/or prescription medications to stimulate saliva production.
If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. They may refer you to a dentist or specialist in oral medicine for further evaluation and management.