Dry Mouth Part 2: What Causes Dry Mouth?

what causes dry mouth dentist in Littleton, CO

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a common dental health issue, but what can cause someone to develop dry mouth?

When we last left you, Dr. Nichols introduced us to dry mouth. Following our discussion, we would like to go over some common causes of dry mouth.

Like we stated in our previous post, dry mouth occurs when the mouth is not producing enough saliva. There are a number of reasons why someone may experience this issue. These include:

  • Drinking caffeine
  • Dehydration
  • Smoking
  • Anemia
  • Diabetes
  • Chemotherapy
  • Medication
  • Nerve damage

Any of the above can cause this issue, but medication is the main culprit behind dry mouth. Common medications that cause dry mouth include:

  • Painkillers
  • Antidepressants
  • Decongestants
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Allergy medications
  • Diuretics

what causes dry mouth dentist in Littleton, CO

In part 3 of our discussion on dry mouth, Dr. Nichols will discuss some of the options that are available to treat this common dental health problem.

If you experience dry mouth, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nichols in Littleton, CO to discuss what you can do to find relief and keep your mouth healthy.