Xerostomia, commonly known as "dry mouth", is the irregular decrease of saliva due to medication and/or disease. Dry mouth due to lack of saliva can be a serious medical problem. Decreased salivation can make swallowing difficult, decrease taste sensation, and promote tooth decay.

Causes and Symptoms

Dry mouth can be caused by:

• Medications, both prescription and non prescription medicine
  
• HIV infection
  
• Diabetes
  
• Chronic and progressive inflammation of skeletal muscles
  
• Infections of the salivary glands
  
• Blockage of the salivary ducts

Treatment of Xerostomia

If dry mouth is caused by medicine, the medicine should be changed. If dry mouth is caused by blockage of the salivary ducts, the cause of the blockage should be investigated.

When systemic diseases, such as diabetes and anemia, are brought under control dry mouth problems may decrease. Dry mouth caused by the aging process or radiation therapy for cancer can be treated by such oral medications as pilocarpine (Salagen).

Drugs that are given to increase the flow of saliva are known as sialogogues.

Things you can do at home for treating dry mouth:

• Wash mouth with water frequently
  
• Use saliva substitute
  
• Apply lip moisturizer often
  
• Avoid mouthwashes with an alcohol base
  
• Avoid lemon glycerin swabs as they may contribute to dryness
  
• Drink plenty of liquids, at least 8-12 glasses of fluid a day
  
• Limit coffee and tea intake
  
• Eat a soft, high-protein, moist diet
  
• Avoid acidic foods and juices
  
• Avoid sodas that are fizzy

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