Causes for Dry Mouth
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a dry feeling inside the mouth. We need saliva to make our mouth wet and to digest the food. Digestion of food starts from saliva. Saliva in turn protects the mouth from infections caused by fungi and bacteria. The lack of saliva leads to dryness in the mouth and affected person feel uncomfortable. The affected person will be very thirsty and there may be a tingling or burning sensation on the tongue. There may be sore on the mouth and the lips may crack also.
Causes for Dry Mouth
Salivary Gland Infection
Any infection of the salivary gland can lead to dry mouth. Infection can be viral or bacterial and the bacteria that causes dry mouth includes Staphylococcus, E.coli and Streptococcus. These bacteria may obstruct the salivary gland by their accumulation in the salivary gland. Viral infection of salivary gland is more prone in those who have not taken any vaccination. Mumps virus, herpes virus etc may affect the salivary gland.
Nerve Damage
Any damage to nerves that stimulate the salivary glands may also leads to dry mouth. Nerve damage may happen during surgery or at the time of some injury.
Salivary Gland Tumors
A tumor that develops in the salivary gland also blocks the saliva and causes dry mouth. The abnormal growths in salivary gland can be benign or malignant.
Salivary Stones
Salivary stones are the mineral deposits found in the salivary gland. These mineral deposits may at times block the saliva flow and thus results in dry mouth.
Side Effects of Medications
Many of the drugs may cause side effects and some of them may cause dry mouth. Certain medications like antidepressants, anti anxiety drugs, allergy medications, painkillers, anti-diarrhea drugs, blood pressure medications etc may result in dry mouth.
Side Effects of Diseases
Certain diseases like HIV, anemia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke etc may also cause dry mouth.
Radiation
People who are subjected to chemical radiations like chemotherapy for cancer treatment are also prone to get dry mouth.
Tobacco
Chewing or smoking of tobacco may also affect the production of saliva and may result in dry mouth.
