Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and What You Can Do
When your mouth feels like cotton, you’re not just thirsty—you’re dealing with dry mouth, a condition where your salivary glands don’t make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Also known as xerostomia, it’s not a disease itself, but a sign something else is off—often your meds, your health, or your hydration. It’s more common than you think. About 20% of adults over 65 report it regularly, and it’s not just about aging. Many everyday drugs silently steal your saliva, turning simple tasks like swallowing or speaking into chores.
Take a look at what’s in your medicine cabinet. medications that cause dry mouth, including antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure pills, and diuretics are top culprits. If you’re on Combipres for high blood pressure, or taking trazodone for sleep, or even just loratadine for allergies, you’re likely reducing saliva flow. These drugs don’t just target your symptoms—they hit your salivary glands too. And if you’re managing diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune issues, dry mouth often comes as a side effect of the condition itself—or the treatments needed to control it. Dehydration plays a role too, but if you’re drinking enough water and still feeling dry, the problem is probably pharmacological.
It’s not just discomfort. Without enough saliva, your mouth loses its natural defense. Bacteria grow faster, your teeth erode, and you risk gum disease and cavities. You might notice trouble tasting food, soreness in your tongue, or even mouth sores. The fix isn’t always popping a mint. You need to know what’s causing it. Is it a drug you can switch? Is it your fluid intake? Or is it tied to something deeper like an autoimmune flare or kidney trouble? The posts below dig into exactly that: which drugs are most likely to dry you out, how conditions like CKD or adrenal insufficiency connect to saliva loss, and what real steps you can take to protect your mouth without stopping your meds. You’ll find practical advice on managing this side effect, from simple hydration tricks to alternatives that don’t leave you parched.
Sjögren’s Syndrome: What It Is, How It Affects Your Body, and How to Manage It
Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks moisture-producing glands, causing chronic dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and joint pain. Learn how it’s diagnosed, treated, and why it’s often missed.
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