Saliva has very important functions in the mouth and not enough can result in a dry mouth leading to other problems, like:  mouth sores, tooth decay, difficulty swallowing/ speaking to name but a few. Dry mouth is caused when salivary glands in the mouth don’t make enough saliva.  This may happen because of the use certain medicines, cancer therapy, aging, certain systemic conditions (Sjogren’s disease or HIV/ AIDS), nerve damage due to injury, snoring/ mouth breathing, alcohol and tobacco use or drug use (methamphetamine or marijuana).

Treatment of dry mouth needs to be individualized and the underlying cause should be the target instead of just symptomatic relief.  The main goal is to increase salivary flow.  For instance, if we suspect your chronic medication is causing dry mouth your doctor can consider adjusting the dosage or changing to another medication.