Dry Mouth

Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine

What is saliva? Saliva, or spit, is made by your salivary glands. It helps keep you and your mouth healthy. For example: It moistens and breaks down the foods you eat, which makes it easier for you to chew and swallow. It washes away small food pieces from your teeth and gums, which helps fight against tooth decay . It contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which can also help fight tooth decay. It contains antibodies that can fight against infections of the mouth and throat. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria. What is dry mouth? Having dry mouth, also called xerostomia, means that you don't have enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while, like when you are nervous or stressed. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable. It can make chewing, swallowing , and even talking difficult. It also raises your risk for tooth decay or infections in the mouth. What causes dry mouth? There are many possible causes of dry mouth, including: Side effects of certain medicines , such as some medicines for high blood pressure , depression , and bladder-control issues Diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome , HIV , salivary gland disorders , and diabetes Radiation therapy , which can damage your salivary glands if they are exposed to radiation during the treatment Chemotherapy , which can make your saliva thicker and cause your mouth to feel dry Nerve damage, when it involves the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva Breathing through your mouth Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances What are the symptoms of dry mouth? The symptoms of dry mouth may include: A sticky, dry feeling in your mouth Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking A burning feeling in your mouth A dry feeling in your throat Cracked lips A dry, rough tongue Mouth sores An infection in your mouth Bad breath How is the cause of dry mouth diagnos