What Causes Dry Mouth?
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Dry Mouth is not a normal part of aging. It CAN be associated with a number of medications that DO cause this condition. Of course the longer we live the more drugs are used to treat typical health conditions linked to aging.
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Over 600 prescription medications cause dry mouth as a side effect. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often cause dry mouth.
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Some diseases affect the salivary glands. For example, Sjogren's syndrome, RA, HIV-AIDS, and diabetes can all cause dry mouth.
OTHER CAUSES INCLUDE:
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Radiation Therapy due to cancer treatments
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Chemotherapy. Drugs taken to treat cancer can make the saliva thicker
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Nerve damage. Injury and trama to the head and neck can inhibit the glands that produce saliva from functioning correctly
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Stones. Salivary stones can block the ducts that deliver saliva to the mouth
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Diet. Some diets, especially high in sodium, dry the tissues making saliva less effective in oral comfort
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Alcohol consumption. Extreme intake of alcohol can dry the tissues and reduce the bodies ability to create saliva
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Smoking and tobacco use can decrease the quality and quantity of saliva