Xerostomia is the medical name for dry mouth, which many people end up getting. It’s helpful to know what the causes of it are, as well as what the treatment options are. Continue to read on to learn about Xerostomia causes and treatment.
1. Causes- One of the leading causes of dry mouth is medications, and there are many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that can cause dry mouth for a person. Medications that are used to treat depression, anxiety and nerve pain tend to be the ones that will most likely cause dry mouth. Some muscle relaxants also cause dry mouth.
 
Sometimes dry mouth can be caused by cancer therapies, and this is because many cancer drugs changes the amount of saliva that is produced, as well as the nature of the saliva. However, dry mouth may go away after the cancer treatment is stopped because the salivary flow tends to go back to normal after the person has completed treatment. Radiation treatment may also lead to dry mouth, and sometimes the symptoms associated with it may be permanent.

Another cause of dry mouth is nerve damage. Sometimes nerve damage can be the result of suffering an injury or undergoing surgery. Usually the nerve damage will be in your head or the neck, and this can lead to having a dry mouth.

Smoking cigarettes and using other types of tobacco products can cause symptoms associated with dry mouth. This not only goes for smoking tobacco, as chewing it can cause it too. If you have dry mouth and you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, then you should quit, if you want to improve your condition.

2. Treatment Options- The good news is there are various treatment options for Xerostomia, and one of those options is protecting your teeth, as poor hygiene can lead to dry mouth. You want to prevent cavities from forming on your teeth, which means regular dentist visits is a must. You might also be told to use a chlorhexidine rinse, which may help keep cavities under control.

Another treatment option is changing your medication. If your doctor determines that your dry mouth is the result of the medications you’re taking, they may prescribe you something else. If you’re taking over-the-counter medicine, then consider switching to another brand or stop taking the medication. There are also products out there that can moisturize your mouth, and if you suffer from dry mouth and it’s severe, then consider getting such products, which include rinses and artificial saliva.

There are medications that stimulate saliva. Your doctor may prescribe this type of medication to you. One of these medications is Evoxac.

Nobody enjoys having Xerostomia, but there are treatment options out there, and some of them were discussed above. If you have dry mouth and you find it hard to deal with, then speak with your doctor. They will be able to recommend products or they may prescribe you medication to help you get rid of dry mouth or reduce the symptoms associated with it.