Dry mouth, sometimes referred to as xerostomia, can happen to anyone.

This condition occurs when your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva to keep it moist. Everyone experiences dry mouth from time to time, such as when thirsty, hot, stressed, or anxious. Chronic (recurrent) dry mouth, however, is a medical condition requiring attention.

Causes of Dry Mouth

Medications: Certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause an array of symptoms including dry mouth.

Cancer treatments: including radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

Nerve damage: If an injury to your head or neck has caused damage to nerves, then your salivary glands may no longer produce saliva.

Salivary gland dysfunction

Diabetes, jogren’s syndrome, HIV, sleep apnea, tobacco use

How to relieve dry mouth

Follow these tips to get relief and protect your teeth:

• Drink more water.
• Brush and floss twice a day.
• Eat regular meals.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages and smoking.
• Avoid overly salty foods.
• Avoid overly salty foods.
• Use artificial saliva, available at your local pharmacy.
• Use nonprescription saliva substitutes that you can buy at a pharmacy.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Ask your dentist for advice specific to your situation.