Dry mouth
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Dry mouth
Dry mouth (xerostomia) may make it difficult for you to eat, talk, swallow, wear dentures, or taste food. In most cases, home treatment will relieve symptoms of a dry mouth. An ongoing dry mouth can lead to mouth infections, gum disease, and dental cavities.
Some causes of dry mouth include dehydration, breathing through your mouth, stress or anxiety, and problems with the function of the salivary glands.
A dry mouth can also be caused by a medication, such as a diuretic, antihistamine, or decongestant. If you suspect a medication is the cause of your dry mouth, call the health professional who prescribed the medication to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a nonprescription medication, stop taking it. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue the medication.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Last Updated | September 26, 2008 |
| Last updated: | September 26, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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