Definition
Known by its medical term, xerostomia (zeer-oh-stoh-mee-ah), dry mouth is when you do not have enough saliva to keep your mouth wet and moisturized.
Causes
Dry mouth can occur when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Some common causes include:
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Cancer therapy (radiation/chemotherapy)
- Autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome
- Smoking
Speak to your dental professional to determine what dry mouth treatment is best for you.