Severe dry mouth causes. Constant dry mouth - causes

Dry mouth is a feeling that is familiar to all of us. At the same time, most people are accustomed to writing off the “Sahara Desert” in their mouths as an insufficient amount of drinking, the abuse of salty foods, or high ambient temperatures.

Indeed, often after drinking a glass we notice that the sensation of dry mouth has passed. However, sometimes this symptom can be the "first sign" indicating problems in the vital systems. In this case, dry mouth is a reason to see a doctor.

Why normal salivation is so important

Normal salivation is one of the key components of oral health. This is due to the fact that saliva performs a number of extremely important functions.

First of all, saliva helps to protect the oral mucosa from ulcers and wounds that would otherwise occur in the process of chewing food. Saliva also neutralizes acids and bacteria that enter the oral cavity and helps dissolve taste stimuli.

In addition, saliva is involved in the process of digestion of food and is one of the protective factors that play an important role in the process of remineralization of teeth.

Why is xerostomia dangerous?

Poor salivation resulting in a dry mouth sensation is a serious problem. There can be a huge number of reasons for it, as well as solutions. Be that as it may, in medicine this phenomenon is called xerostomia and, as evidenced by the data, it is diagnosed more often in women than in the stronger sex.

The feeling of dry mouth that occurs once is really, most likely, caused by some subjective factors: uncomfortable temperature conditions, errors in the diet. However, if "Sugar" in the mouth occurs regularly, it is still not worth fighting discomfort with exceptionally increased fluid intake. Insufficient salivation in this case may indicate serious problems in the body, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

So, the “stickiness” of saliva, a strange feeling that if the mouth is kept closed for a long time, the tongue seems to stick to the sky, should alert. A cause for alarm is also dryness of the oral cavity, accompanied by burning and itching, roughness of the tongue and its redness. A doctor should be consulted if a person, in addition to drying out the oral mucosa, complains of problems with taste perception, swallowing or chewing. In this case, delaying medical advice is not recommended.

Note that dry mouth is not as harmless as it might seem. For example, it significantly increases the risk of developing gingivitis and can lead to oral dysbacteriosis.

To date, experts cannot offer us a detailed classification and a complete list of possible causes of dryness of the oral mucosa. Nevertheless, conditionally, physicians divide all the causes of drying of the oral mucosa into pathological and non-pathological.

The first group of causes indicates a disease in need of therapy. As for the causes of a non-pathological nature, they are associated primarily with a person's lifestyle.

Pathological causes of dry mouth

The feeling of dry mouth can be associated with serious pathologies in the body. For some of them, xerostomia is one of the main symptoms, for others it is only a concomitant manifestation. At the same time, it is impossible to list absolutely all diseases without exception that can cause problems with salivation. Therefore, this article will focus only on those for which dry mouth is one of the key features.

The most common problem with the salivary glands is their inflammation. It can be (inflammation of the parotid salivary gland) or sialodenitis (inflammation of any other salivary gland).

Sialodenitis can be an independent disease or develop as a complication or manifestation of another pathology. The inflammatory process can cover one gland, two symmetrically located glands, or multiple lesions are possible.

Sialodenitis develops, usually as a result of an infection that can enter the gland through the ducts, lymph or blood. Non-infectious sialadenitis can develop with poisoning with salts of heavy metals.

Inflammation of the salivary gland is manifested by pain that radiates to the ear from the affected side, difficulty in swallowing, a sharp decrease in salivation and, as a result, dry mouth. On palpation, local swelling in the area of ​​the salivary gland can be detected.

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor. Most often, therapy includes antiviral or antibacterial drugs, novocaine blockades, massage, and physiotherapy can be used.

Infectious diseases

Few people thought that dry mouth could be one of the signs of a beginning, or ARVI. These diseases are accompanied by body and excessive sweating. If the patient does not replenish the amount of fluid in the body sufficiently, he may experience dry mouth.

Endocrine diseases

Insufficient salivation may also indicate an endocrine failure. So, many patients who have been diagnosed complain of a constant "Sahara desert" in the mouth, combined with intense thirst and increased urination.

The cause of the above symptoms is high blood levels. Its excess provokes dehydration, manifested, among other things, and xerostomia.

To alleviate the manifestations of the disease, it is imperative to resort to complex treatment. The sugar level should be carefully monitored with a glucometer, and the schedule for taking the drugs prescribed should be followed. Fluid intake plays an important role. You should drink decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs that help lower glucose levels and increase body tone.

Salivary gland injuries

Xerostomia can occur with traumatic disorders of the sublingual, parotid or submandibular glands. Such injuries can provoke the formation of ruptures in the gland, which is fraught with a decrease in salivation.

Syndrome or Sjögren's disease is a disease that is manifested by the so-called triad of symptoms: dryness and a feeling of "sand" in the eyes, xerostomia and some kind.

This pathology can occur in people of different ages, but more than 90% of patients are representatives of the weaker sex of the middle and elderly age groups.

To date, doctors have not been able to find out either the causes of this pathology or the mechanisms of its occurrence. Researchers suggest that the autoimmune factor plays a major role. Genetic predisposition is also important, since Sjogren's syndrome is often diagnosed in close relatives. Be that as it may, a malfunction occurs in the body, as a result of which the lacrimal and salivary glands are infiltrated by B- and T-lymphocytes.

In the early stages of the disease, dry mouth appears periodically. When the disease progresses, the discomfort becomes almost constant, aggravated by excitement and prolonged conversation. Dryness of the oral mucosa in Sjogren's syndrome is also accompanied by burning and sore lips, a hoarse voice and rapidly progressing caries.

In particular, often the oral mucosa dries up at the first manifestations of pancreatitis. This is a highly insidious disease that can develop almost imperceptibly for a long time. With an exacerbation of pancreatitis, attacks of pain, intoxication develop.

Hypotension

Dry mouth combined with dizziness is a common sign of hypotension. In this case, the cause is a violation of blood circulation, which affects the state of all organs and glands.

With a decrease in pressure, dry mouth and usually disturb in the morning and in the evening. Recommendations for people suffering from hypotension are usually given; medications will help normalize blood pressure levels and eliminate dryness of the oral mucosa.

Climax

Dry mouth and eyes, heart palpitations and dizziness can be symptoms of menopause in women. A decrease in the production of sex hormones affects the general condition. In particular, during this period, all mucous membranes begin to dry out. To stop the manifestation of this symptom, the doctor prescribes a variety of hormonal and non-hormonal drugs, sedatives, vitamins and other drugs.

Note that all of the above diseases are serious, and drying of the oral mucosa is just one of their symptoms. Therefore, self-diagnosis with insufficient salivation is unacceptable. The true cause of xerostomia will only be determined by a specialist after a series of diagnostic procedures.

Nonpathological Causes of Dry Mouth

The causes of dry mouth of a non-pathological nature are most often associated with the lifestyle that a person leads:

1. Xerostomia can be a sign of dehydration. Its cause in this case is a violation of the drinking regimen. Most often, the oral mucosa dries up if a person consumes an insufficient amount of water at a high ambient temperature. In this case, the problem is very simple to solve - enough drinking plenty of water. Otherwise, serious consequences are possible.
2. Tobacco smoking and drinking alcohol is another possible cause of dry mouth. Many people are familiar with the discomfort in the oral cavity, which manifests itself in the morning after a feast.
3. Xerostomia can be a consequence of the use of a number of medications. So, dry mouth is a side effect of psychotropic drugs, diuretics and anticancer drugs. Also, problems with salivation can provoke drugs to reduce pressure and antihistamines. As a rule, such an effect should not become a reason to completely stop taking the medication. The feeling of dryness should completely disappear after the treatment is completed.
4. The oral mucosa can dry out when breathing through the mouth due to nasal breathing disorders. In this case, it is also recommended to drink more fluids and use vasoconstrictor drops in order to get rid of it as soon as possible.

Dry mouth during pregnancy

Often xerostomia occurs in women in an "interesting" position. They have a similar condition, as a rule, manifests itself in the later stages and has several reasons at once.

The three main reasons for the drying of the oral mucosa in pregnant women are increased sweating, increased urination and increased physical activity. In this case, xerostomia is compensated by increased drinking.

Also, dry mouth can occur due to a lack or excess. If the tests confirm imbalance, appropriate therapy will come to the rescue.

Sometimes pregnant women complain of dry mouth combined with a metallic taste. Similar symptoms are characteristic of gestational diabetes. This disease is also known as gestational diabetes. The cause of gestational diabetes is the reduced sensitivity of cells to their own insulin, provoked by hormonal changes during pregnancy. This is a serious condition that should be a prerequisite for tests and tests to determine the exact level of glucose in the blood.

Diagnosing the Causes of Dry Mouth

In order to determine the prerequisites for the drying of the oral mucosa, the specialist will first of all have to conduct a thorough analysis of the patient's history in order to determine the possible causes of such a symptom. After that, the doctor will prescribe diagnostic tests and examinations that are necessary to confirm or refute the alleged causes of xerostomia.

Diagnosis of the main causes that lead to the drying of the oral mucosa may include a set of studies, the exact list of which depends on the probable pathology.

In addition, a biopsy of the salivary glands, sialometry (the study of the rate of saliva secretion), and a cytological examination are performed. All of these tests will help determine if the salivation system is functioning correctly.

The patient is also prescribed blood, which can signal anemia and the presence of inflammatory processes. If diabetes is suspected, a blood glucose test is ordered. Ultrasound may reveal cysts, tumors, or stones in the salivary gland. If Sjögren's syndrome is suspected, an immunological blood test is performed - a study that helps to identify diseases associated with a decrease in the body's resistance and to identify infectious diseases.

In addition to the above, the doctor may prescribe other tests, depending on the patient's condition and history.

Dry mouth combined with other symptoms

Often, accompanying symptoms help to determine the nature of the pathology that causes a decrease in salivation. Let's consider the most common of them.

So, drying of the mucous membrane in combination with numbness and burning of the tongue can be a side effect of taking medications or a manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome. In addition, similar symptoms occur with stress.

Drying of the mucous membrane that occurs in the morning after sleep can be a sign of respiratory pathologies - a person breathes through the mouth during sleep, because nasal breathing is blocked. It is also likely to develop diabetes.

Dry mouth at night, combined with restless sleep, may indicate insufficient humidity in the bedroom, as well as metabolic problems. You should also review your diet and refuse to eat a large meal shortly before bedtime.

Insufficient salivation, combined with frequent urination and thirst, is a reason to check the level of glucose in the blood - this is how diabetes mellitus can signal itself.

Drying of the oral mucosa and nausea can be signs of intoxication, a strong decrease in blood sugar levels. Similar symptoms are also characteristic of a concussion.

If the mouth dries up after eating, it's all about the pathological processes in the salivary glands, which do not allow the production of the amount of saliva necessary for the digestion of food. Bitterness in the mouth, combined with dryness, may indicate dehydration, alcohol and tobacco abuse, and liver problems. Finally, dry mouth combined with dizziness may be a reason to have your blood pressure checked.

Additional symptoms during the drying of the oral cavity help reduce the likelihood of incorrect diagnosis, and also do not allow developing pathologies to be missed. That is why when visiting a doctor, you should describe in as much detail as possible to him all the uncharacteristic sensations that you have had recently. This will help to make the correct diagnosis and choose the correct treatment tactics.

How to deal with dry mouth

As noted above, xerostomia is not an independent pathology, but indicates a particular disease. Most often, if the doctor chooses the right therapy for the underlying disease, the oral cavity will also stop drying out.

In fact, there is no treatment for xerostomia as a separate symptom. Doctors can only recommend a number of methods that will help alleviate the manifestations of this symptom.

First of all, try drinking more fluids. At the same time, you should opt for unsweetened drinks without gas. Also increase the humidity in the room and try changing your diet. Sometimes the oral mucosa dries up due to too much salty and fried foods in the diet.

Get rid of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking almost always cause drying of the oral mucosa.

Chewing gum and lozenges are aids that reflexively stimulate the production of saliva. Please note that they should not contain - in this case, the "Sugar" in the mouth will become even more unbearable.

In the event that not only the oral mucosa dries up, but also the lips, moisturizing balms will help.

Every person at least once in his life felt dry mouth, which can appear as a result of excitement, nervousness or stress. Dry mouth results from 50% or less of the production of saliva that keeps the mouth moist.

Saliva is important for the health of the body and oral cavity. Thanks to it, the immune protection of the oral cavity is provided, therefore, the teeth remain healthy. In addition, saliva promotes digestion, protects against infections, provides swallowing, chewing, allows you to speak.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is often a side effect of stress or anxiety. Temporary dryness is normal and does not require special attention. However, if your dry mouth is persistent and irritating, then you should see your doctor. The causes of dryness are different: medication, certain diseases, age.

As a result of taking certain medications (more than 500 types), unpleasant dryness may appear. For example, it can be drugs for allergies, inflammation and swelling, painkillers, drugs for high blood pressure, depression.

Some diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, HIV can lead to dryness. In addition, radiation therapy can damage the salivary glands if the patient's head and neck are treated during cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy can also cause a temporary side effect called xerostomia.

In addition, changes in hormone levels affect the salivary glands, leading to dryness during and after menopause.

Dry mouth symptoms:

• dry mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• burning on the tongue
• dryness in the throat
• chapped lips
• decreased sense of taste or metallic taste
• bad breath
• difficulty chewing food

A dry mouth causes discomfort, if you do not drink water, then the tongue may stick to the sky, a burning sensation will appear. In addition, the mouth and teeth remain unprotected, because. bacteria are not washed away by saliva. In the future, bad breath (), tooth decay, gum problems may appear. To ensure protection against bacteria, it is necessary to observe daily oral hygiene ().

Common Causes of Dry Mouth

Dehydration: low fluid intake or large loss of fluid due to excessive exercise, diarrhea, vomiting.

Dry air: heated indoor air, especially in winter, irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Consequences: dry nose, mouth, dry eyes.

Age: with age, bodily functions slow down, in addition, old people take drugs that contribute to the appearance of dryness.

Mouth breathing: if you constantly breathe through your mouth, dryness will appear not only in your mouth, but also on your lips. The cause may be sinusitis, stuffy nose, which should be cleaned ().

Snore: When you snore, you usually breathe through your mouth, which can lead to dryness.

Mind: nervous disorders, stress, depression often cause dryness, because. the sympathetic nervous system is involved.

Antihypertensive drugs: many drugs affect the autonomic system, which is responsible for controlling saliva production. These include beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, some diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.

Smoking: nicotine constricts blood vessels, inhibits blood circulation (), and smoke particles stick to the mucous membranes and dry them out.

Tumors of the salivary glands: various tumors of the salivary glands may initially manifest as dry mouth and other symptoms.

Autoimmune diseases: in Sjögren's syndrome, an inflammatory reaction can occur that destroys the salivary glands. Diabetes mellitus at the beginning may have non-specific symptoms: dry mouth, thirst, etc.

Radiation therapy: cancer treatment with radiation that is applied to the head. During this, the salivary glands can be damaged.

Treatment

Sometimes it is enough to eliminate the cause of dryness to cure it once and for all. If dry mouth occurs as a result of taking medication, then in this case you should tell your doctor about it. The doctor should change the dosage, or prescribe a drug that does not disrupt the salivary glands.

Also, to treat dryness, you can consult a dentist who will recommend special products to properly protect your teeth and eliminate dryness.

Experts advise with dryness to drink water without sugar more often (every 30 minutes), chew gum, dill seeds, aromatic spices, suck on a lollipop that stimulates salivation. Drink tea with lemon more often, it is also useful to rinse your mouth with an infusion of mallow or flax flowers. In severe cases, you can use special sprays - saliva substitutes. It is recommended to use a humidifier at home.

Avoid drinking various drinks that contain caffeine, such as black tea, coffee.

Prevention

To prevent the onset of dryness, it is important to lead a proper lifestyle, eat more plant foods, get rid of bad habits, and maintain oral hygiene. Food should be chewed thoroughly.

Drink plenty of fluids (2 liters per day). It can be fruit teas, water, juices, decoctions, non-alcoholic cocktails, lemon water. It is important to constantly moisten your mouth and stimulate saliva production.

Dry mouth can be one of the symptoms of many diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, a number of pathologies of the nervous system, hypertension, salivary gland tumors, HIV, etc. A specialist can make a correct diagnosis, so you need to seek medical advice.

Dry mouth is also caused by some medical procedures, such as radiation therapy or.

Dry mouth can be caused by damage to the cervical (or head) nerves from trauma or surgery. Also, the mouth often dries up with infectious diseases that occur in severe form and cause general and dehydration of the body, for example, pneumonia.

Reasons why your mouth may dry out

Dry mouth can be caused by smoking or chewing tobacco, as nicotine depresses the salivary glands. Saliva production may also decrease due to nervous strain and stress.

Difficulty in nasal breathing can also lead to dry mouth. As a result, a person is forced to breathe through the mouth, which accelerates the evaporation of saliva.

Dry mouth can be the result of eating a lot of salty or pickled foods. Finally, your mouth may be dry due to certain medications.

The feeling of dry mouth is a characteristic side effect of antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil, Cetrina, Zirtek), as well as drugs that relax smooth muscles. It should be noted that with age, the amount of saliva produced decreases. Therefore, older people often complain of dry mouth.

Insufficient saliva production not only causes discomfort, but also increases the risk of developing caries, as well as various inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. In addition, with increased dryness of the mouth, it is inconvenient to wear dentures (for those people who need it). Therefore, in any case, you must consult a doctor. He will recommend mouthwash solutions that can restore natural moisture. In some cases, salivary stimulants may help. To activate saliva production, suck on a sugar-free lozenge or chew gum.

There are situations when your mouth dries up and you want to know why this happens and what can be done about it, because not in every situation this is a consequence, for example, of previously drunk alcohol. In fact, there are many answers to this question and not in every case there is a simple solution to the problem, so you should not cancel the trip to the doctor if the situation causes discomfort in any other case, because to say exactly what is happening and how to be treated, only a doctor is able after examination and, if necessary, passing tests. In another article, read about what this can lead to.

The article contains the main situations in which dry mouth occurs and detailed explanations are given on them. In another article, read about that, and what is needed for it.

Why does it dry out in the mouth if sugar is normal after eating, when you are nervous, sleeping, at night, in the evening

Xerostomia, or when it dries out in the mouth, at night, during sleep, is explained by breathing through the mouth, and when you are nervous - the body's response to stress. In other cases, the symptom may be associated with infectious diseases, diseases of the nervous and respiratory systems or the gastrointestinal tract. A therapist, an infectious disease specialist, a neurologist, a gastroenterologist, a dentist or an otolaryngologist can identify the causes of dryness.

Why dries in the mouth in the morning with a hangover after alcohol and booze, what to do

Alcohol contains alcohols that serve as a source of increased urination, the body is dehydrated and dry mouth occurs. To fill the lack of moisture, as the people say, “improve health”, alcoholics “with experience” advise another glass of alcohol, which is fundamentally wrong, since you can poison the body even more. It is better to remove a hangover by relaxing in a bath with sea salt, washing the stomach or taking painkillers (paracetamol or aspirin).

Why does it dry in the mouth in pregnant women, a child

Dry mouth in pregnant women and children is not the norm, but a pathology. Therefore, having noticed this symptom, the duration of which exceeded several days in a row, it is urgent to contact the doctors for qualified advice. After finding out the root cause of this unpleasant phenomenon, and this may be anemia, diabetes, dehydration, drug reactions, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV and a number of other diseases, appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

Why dry mouth when quitting smoking causes and elimination

The body of a smoker gets so used to nicotine that unpleasant sensations - dryness and sore throat, scratching and the desire to cough up remain for several weeks even after a person has overcome this bad habit. So the body gets rid of the harm caused by cigarette smoke. Physiological discomfort is added to the psychological discomfort. Steam inhalations and cough drops help eliminate and reduce irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and mouth. In case of persistent dry mouth, you should consult a doctor, as there is a high probability of an exacerbation or the occurrence of some kind of disease.

Why does it dry out in the mouth and nose and lips, with diabetes, after brushing your teeth

In diabetes, the level of glucose in the blood rises, which attracts water molecules to itself, causing dehydration. This is why diabetics complain of dry lips, mouth and nose. Dry mouth after brushing your teeth can be caused by an allergy to toothpaste. Consult your dentist about this.

Dry mouth white, yellow coating on the tongue, burning tongue causes what disease

Dry mouth, plaque on the tongue, burning tongue are signs of inflammation of the gallbladder or malfunctions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, cholecystitis, colitis). In addition, these symptoms can be caused by kidney disease (glomerulonephritis or kidney damage due to diabetes) or dental problems (Sjögren's disease). But this is not the whole, but only the most common in the practice of doctors, a list of diseases with the indicated symptoms.

Dry mouth tongue sticky, crimson, numbness, irritation, stinging

These symptoms, that is, “dry mouth, tongue sticky, raspberry, numbness, irritation, pinching” are a sign of xerostomia. The disease accompanies many systemic diseases, therefore, as soon as possible, it is necessary to conduct laboratory and instrumental examinations and identify its root causes.

Dry mouth rough tongue causes what disease

Dry mouth and rough tongue may not be associated with the disease at all and have causes of an incoming nature, due to:
- breathing through the mouth;
- runny nose or impaired nasal breathing;
- intoxication;
- dehydration;
- eating too salty food.

Dry mouth tongue like a grater, numb, sticking to the palate, lined

Dry mouth, tongue like a grater, numb, sticking to the palate, coated - complaints associated with diseases that inhibit the secretion of the salivary glands. It can be HIV or AIDS, Sjögren's, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, hypertension, anemia and a number of others.

Why does it dry out in the mouth during excitement, kissing, physical activity, in the evening, during a conversation

It dries up in the mouth during excitement or with a kiss from the fact that a person is in a stressful state, his breathing and pulse quicken, sweating increases, saliva ceases to be produced. Dry mouth during talking or physical activity is caused by improper breathing - through the mouth.

In the evening, it “dries” from salty foods, alcohol-containing drinks and smoking. If the explanations are not true, seek medical advice.

Why does the mouth dry up when a person is worried about what to do

When a person is anxious, adrenaline levels rise, the heart rate increases and breathing quickens, which causes dry mouth and a feeling of thirst. To reduce the excitement before a significant event, you can drink a calming drink - motherwort or valerian.

Why it dries in the mouth, but you don’t want to drink, after sweet

After eating sweets, a person loses his appetite and salivation decreases - he doesn’t want to drink, but everything in his mouth is dry.

Dry mouth pain in the abdomen, right hypochondrium, side, stomach, headache, nausea

These symptoms are a sign of poisoning or diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. You need to urgently contact the doctors! In another article, read about how and what to do about it.

Dry mouth treatment with folk remedies at home, herbs, medicine

From dry mouth in folk medicine, a decoction of infusion of chamomile, calamus, sage and blueberries is used (all parts, 1 tablespoon per glass of water, pour boiling water, wrap and leave for 20-30 minutes). Rinse your mouth as often as possible. Also, a cold decoction of cranberries or rose hips (1/3 cup three times a day) helps to quench thirst and get rid of dry mouth.

Why dry mouth and bitterness

Dryness and bitterness in the mouth are symptoms of most ailments associated with the work of the gastrointestinal tract and the endocrine system. Also, these symptoms are caused by an adverse reaction to medications.

Dryness is a lack of saliva. And this liquid performs many functions, the main of which is antibacterial. It is saliva that resists the attacks of various infections. When the mouth is dry, harmful microorganisms begin to win and we get:

• Unpleasant feeling as if the tongue sticks to the inside of the cheeks and palate (it is familiar to anyone who has ever experienced).
• Chapped lips, sores in the mouth and corners of the lips.
• Stale, against which brushing your teeth and chewing gum are powerless: the smell reappears very quickly.
• Red irritated tongue.
• Taste problems.
• Swallowing problems. Try pushing a piece down your throat if you don't have enough saliva in your mouth!
• Difficulties with digestion. Food poorly moistened with saliva is more difficult to chew and digest. As a result, it gets worse.
• Increased risk of acute respiratory infections and ENT diseases.
• Hoarseness, sometimes strangled to a nasal voice.
• Dental problems: caries, …

All these symptoms significantly reduce the quality of life. Not to mention the impact on health: after all, the body is forced to spend energy on those infections that had to be delayed at the very entrance, and therefore it can easily miss more dangerous violations.

Where does dry mouth come from?

Causes Dry Mouth can be very different.

Some believe that dry mouth is related to aging. This is not true. Xerostomia (the official medical name for the condition) is not related to age, it always has other preconditions.

1. You don't have enough water

This is the most common case. If your mouth is dry, chances are you are either not getting enough. Or you have lost too much of it - this happens during intense sports, while walking in the heat, or, for example, with digestive problems that are accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.

2. You smoke

Tobacco smoke dries the mucosa and reduces Effect of Long-term Smoking on Whole-mouth Salivary Flow Rate and Oral Health saliva production. This is another reason.

3. You have a stuffy nose

Because of this, you breathe through your mouth. In conditions of insufficient humidity, this method of breathing can lead to drying of the mucous membrane.

4. You are taking certain medications

The list of medications that list dry mouth as a side effect is long. This includes Everything you need to know about dry mouth:

• antihistamines;
• decongestants;
• a number of drugs used to control high blood pressure ();
• antidiarrheals;
• muscle relaxants;
• antidepressants;
• certain medicines to treat Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.

By the way, this is why dry mouth in older people is more common than in young people: they simply take more various medications.

5. You are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy

Procedures associated with the treatment of cancer can disrupt the salivary glands.

6. You have or are developing diabetes

However, there are other causes of congestion, such as polyps or a deviated septum. If you find it difficult to breathe through your nose, but why - you yourself cannot understand, be sure to consult with the ENT. He will prescribe the necessary treatment.

4. Drink plenty of fluids

WHO recommends Water Requirements, Impinging Factors, and Recommended Intakes women are about 2.7, and men - 3.7 liters per day. And not only in the form of water, but also in the form of juices, soups and so on.

If you play sports or physical labor, especially in the heat, remember to drink more.

5. Rinse your mouth regularly

You can just water. And you can - with special means for rinsing, which the dentist will prescribe for you.

6. Quit smoking

Not only the mucous membrane of the mouth will thank you, but the body as a whole. And even .

7. Change your medication

If you find dry mouth on the list of side effects, talk to your doctor about changing the drug to some less draining alternative.

8. See a doctor

Dry mouth can sometimes be the first and almost the only symptom of an approaching disease. Talk to your therapist about this. Most likely, the doctor will suggest that you take blood tests (including thyroid hormones) and urine tests. And then, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

9. Try to be less nervous

There are many ways to take stress under control. Learn to relax. This will improve not only salivation, but also the impression of life in general.