This is a question I'm asked frequently in my dental office. The saliva glands regularly produce saliva to keep the mouth moist, lubricate the tongue and soft gum tissue and wash the teeth. If you find that you are constantly thirsty, having difficulty swallowing, experiencing burning mouth or your saliva is thick, foamy or absent you have dry mouth (xerostomia) - and you are not alone. Approximately, twenty-five percent of the population has this condition.

There are several reasons people experience dry mouth, some of which are normal physiologic changes and others are caused by disease, medications, and lifestyle. Women may experience dry mouth during normal physiologic hormonal changes in menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. As we age, our saliva glands produce less saliva. Examples of disease processes that adversely affect saliva flow include: Sjogren's syndrome (www.sjogrens.org), AIDS/HIV, Alzheimer's (www.alzfdn.org), Parkinson's (www.parkinson.org), anemia, high blood pressure, diabetes (www.diabetes.org) and stroke (www.stroke.org). Nerve damage from trauma can also decrease saliva flow. Medications and medical treatment including: antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, sleep aids, decongestants, chemotherapy and head and neck radiation may also cause dry mouth. Lifestyle choices are also a contributing factor such as: not drinking enough water, smoking, chewing tobacco, and consuming alcohol and caffeine (sodas, coffee and teas).

Saliva is important. It is the body's most important mechanism for fighting tooth decay, gum disease and for initiating the digestive process. The lack of good salivary flow leads to poor digestion and a sore or burning mouth all of which may contribute to malnutrition, especially in older adults.

Understanding the causes of dry mouth and managing them with the assistance of your dentist and physician, along with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your general dentist, will help improve the condition, prevent tooth decay and gum disease and contribute to your overall good health.