Symptoms and Causes of Dry Mouth

All of us experience dry mouth once in a while especially when we are distressed and the weather is too hot, but in the case where the dryness is persistent then it is termed as dry mouth. We all need saliva as it serves the purposes of lubricating the mucus membranes keeping them moist to avoid discomforts that comes with it. Saliva less mouth is too uncomfortable and eating becomes a task other than enjoyable. Dry mouth is also known as Xerostomia in medical terms. The symptoms may include cracked lips which are so dry, tasting food and also eating becomes impossible as there is no saliva to lubricate the food as it moves down the digestion tract. The throat may also feel so dry necessitating need for water which even when taken beyond satisfaction does not provide the well needed solution.sores may also appear in the mouth which make the patient feel so much distressed and uncomfortable.

The causes of dry mouth are vast as they range form taking long and deep breath through the mouth and also inefficiency of saliva production. Some drugs also cause dry mouth such as drugs for treating high blood pressure. Anxiety also lists among the reasons why dry mouth is persistent as the body is dehydrated. Alcoholism also brings about dry mouth as it drains water from the blood stream leading to the salivary glands not being able to produce enough saliva. Tobacco smoking also drains out the water in the salivary glands which is used to produce saliva. To some extent not drinking enough water then visiting such places as dry areas or even being involved in physical activities such as sports which dehydrates the body through sweat may be a good reason for dry mouth. Though it is not that common procedures such as surgery on the salivary gland may also contribute largely to dry mouth.

Among other risks that therapies like chemotherapy have include making the saliva so thick that it doesn’t serve the purpose of lubrication. Accidents may also contribute to the reason as to why saliva production is distorted as injuries on the head may destroy the nerves which communicate with the salivary glands thus saliva may be produced when not needed or even not produced at all.

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