Do you experience a sticky, dry feeling in your mouth? Are you always thirsty no matter how much you drink? You may have dry mouth or, as it is clinically known, Xerostomia.
Dry mouth can be a problem for a number of reasons including:
- The trouble with tasting, swallowing, chewing, or speaking
- Cracked lips
- Dry and rough tongue
- Dryness in your throat
Constant dry mouth can cause cavities and bad breath. If you have a dry mouth you are more likely to have ongoing dental problems. Saliva is what cleans our oral environment in between brushing.
What causes dry mouth?
- Certain medications
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation treatment for head and neck cancers
- Emotional stress
- Habitual use of alcohol, cigarettes, and/or drugs.
Dry mouth is uncomfortable to live with, and is usually an indication there is something causing the symptom that requires the attention of a physician.