Constant dry mouth? It may be a sign of serious health problems

17.11.2016

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a persistent problem that bothers many people around the world. Even more, it is a sign that you have serious problems. It can be diabetes or issues with joints.

If you drink little water or are nervous, then dryness is completely justified. However, if this problem has become persistent for you, then it already indicates health issues, affecting every fifth person.

Here are the most common causes of xerostomia:

• Hormones.
• In women, a frequent cause is menopause, hormonal imbalance causes drying of the mucous membranes throughout the body.
• Nose problems.
• If you constantly breathe through your mouth, which can be due to a stuffy nose, colds or allergies.

Continuation of the article

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Also, the cause can be narrowing of the nasal passages or blockage of the airways, incorrect bite (due to which you cannot sleep with your mouth closed, leading to mouth breathing) or enlarged tonsils.

Decongestant medications

The principle of action of these drugs is based on narrowing of blood vessels and mucous membranes, thereby reducing inflammation and facilitating breathing. Then it leads to a decrease in fluid in the nose and causes nasal dryness. Such remedies should be used for a short time, otherwise it leads to dryness in the nose and mouth.

Mouth rinses containing alcohol destroy bacteria but cause dryness or mucous membrane inflammation. Saliva protects against caries, dry mouth, so dry mouth can cause dental health problems. Choose a rinse that does not contain alcohol.

Heartburn

Dry mouth is most often a result of heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease. When stomach acid moves up the esophagus to the throat, it can cause irritation or inflammation and as a result – dry mouth.

Too much coffee

Excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks can lead to dehydration. Caffeine is a weak diuretic that can also cause dry mouth when used excessively. Caffeine is found in coffee, some types of tea.

Diabetes

Persistently elevated blood sugar levels can cause dry mouth. When blood sugar increases, the kidneys lose the ability to reabsorb fluid and as a result it also causes dry mouth. Moreover, even medications for diabetes treatment can cause dryness.

Other problems

Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative skin tuberculosis or vasculitis can cause secondary Sjögren's syndrome – a disease where the immune system 'attacks' the tear and salivary glands and thus causes dryness.

Concussion

2 out of 3 pairs of salivary glands are stimulated by nerves passing through the temporal bone to the jaw. Bone trauma (in an accident or fall) can damage the nerve, so a concussion can also become a cause of dryness.

Tablets

Dry mouth is a side effect of more than 400 medications, as well as drugs intended for chemotherapy.

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