Most Common Causes Of Dry Mouth

Aging

Aging is often commonly associated with dry mouth, though it is not typically a natural part of the aging process. However, many older adults tend to take more medications that have dry mouth as a potential symptom. It is important for older individuals to seek counsel from their doctors because they are more susceptible to infections and dry mouth can lead to various complications and conditions, which should be avoided. For example, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and other oral conditions, as well as inflammation, which can lead to an increased risk of candidiasis and other infections. Therefore, it is important for anyone with persistent dry mouth to seek medical assistance, including elderly individuals, to prevent further complications later on.

Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment often leads to dry mouth in patients, as chemotherapy and radiation damage the salivary glands. Dry mouth caused by radiation therapy can be an ongoing issue. Sometimes the salivary glands will regain some level of function. However, it is unlikely they will return to their full capacity. Various methods are recommended for those dealing with dry mouth caused by cancer treatments. This includes keeping the lips and mouth moist by drinking lots of fluids or using a humidifier, taking medication, and following specific dietary recommendations to decrease the impact of dry mouth. These recommendations include avoiding acidic foods, such as citrus, foods that are too hot since they can burn the mouth, and cutting back on salty foods.