Oral dryness (also called xerostomia) is caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth when the salivary gland is not working properly. Salivary glands help keep your mouth moist, which helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are the most common causes of dry mouth. In fact, more than 400 drugs can cause dry mouth. The most common trouble makers are antihypertensives, antidepressants, painkillers, diazepam, diuretics and antihistamines.
Dry mouth may be a sign of a serious health condition or may occur when one is upset or under stress. It may also be caused by radiation and chemotherapy, hormonal changes or diseases such as AIDS, diabetes or Sjogren's syndrome. Patients with Alzheimer's disease or stroke may experience dry mouth. About 30% of people over the age of 65 are affected by dry mouth.
