Dry mouth Waha maroke

Many things can cause a dry mouth. These are some of the common causes.

Being unwell

Some autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome, and Parkinson disease can cause a dry mouth. It can also be a symptom of HIV and AIDS, diabetes and anxiety disorders.

Radiation therapy

If you have had radiation to your head and neck you have a high risk of getting a dry mouth. This is partly because you produce less saliva.

Chemotherapy

Some drugs used in chemotherapy may make your saliva thick, so your mouth feels dry. This is usually temporary.

Medications

A dry mouth can be a side effect of many medications. This includes medications used to treat:

• depression
• chronic (persistent) pain
• a llergies
• high blood pressure

Nerve damage

A head or neck injury or a stroke can damage the nerves of your salivary glands. These glands will then not produce enough saliva.

Other causes

Dehydration, smoking and age-related changes, such as menopause, can cause a dry mouth.

Symptoms of a dry mouth can include:

• difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
• thick or stringy saliva
• a feeling of sticky dryness in your mouth
• waking at night with your tongue stuck to the roof of your mouth
• a dry, rough, sore tongue
• a burning sensation in your mouth
• mouth ulcers
• sore, cracked lips
• oral thrush
• difficulty or pain when wearing false teeth
• changes in your taste
• bad breath.

If you are worried about having a dry mouth, talk to your healthcare provider. They will look at your symptoms, medications, medical history and lifestyle factors.

They may do a physical examination of your mouth and tongue, and check your salivary glands. 

• Talk to your dentist, pharmacist or radiation team about a mouthwash that will be suitable.
• Brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Gently floss and brush your teeth after meals.
• Make sure you see your dentist regularly.
• Chew sugar-free chewing gum, preferably containing xylitol. You can get this from a supermarket or pharmacy.
• Talk to your dentist or pharmacist about using oral lubricants. You could also try coconut oil (melted to a liquid form).
• Add a drop of peppermint essence to 100 ml of grapeseed oil and apply 1 to 2 drops to your mouth when it starts to get dry.
• Suck crushed ice.
• Keep your lips moist with a lip salve.

You should also talk to your dentist about how to protect your teeth from the dental decay. This often happens when you have a dry mouth.

Choosing foods with a dry mouth

Some foods make a dry mouth worse — try to avoid them. They include:

• acidic fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, kiwifruit and fresh tomatoes
• spicy or salty foods such as curry, chilli and seasoned chips
• dry, coarse foods such as toast, grainy breads and cereals, crackers, cakes, buns, muffins and scones
• sugary sweets and confectionery.

Soften cereals and muesli by adding milk and leaving them to soak for a few minutes or mixing them with yoghurt and leaving in the fridge overnight.

• Sip water regularly, as this will help to keep your mouth fresh.
• Carry a bottle to sip water, sugar-free drinks or weak iced tea. A mix of water and glycerine might help.
• Avoid commercially prepared drinks, juices and energy drinks, as these are very acidic and can damage your teeth.
• Eat small amounts of soft, moist food.
• Add extra gravy or sauces to your food to make it easier to swallow. Try instant packet sauces from the supermarket for a fast tasty sauce. Add extra liquid to thin the sauces if necessary.
• Choose foods that you do not need to chew much.
• Have small sips of water between mouthfuls of food.
• Have a water bottle or glass of water by your bed at night.
• Use a humidifier at night
• Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake, and stop smoking.