What Causes a Dry Mouth?

May 07, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. He Liangjun

Introduction

What Causes Dry Mouth? First, diabetes: If dry mouth is accompanied by symptoms such as increased hunger, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss, diabetes should be considered. Second, Sjögren’s syndrome: If dry mouth occurs alongside dry eyes and significantly reduced salivary and tear production, Sjögren’s syndrome should be suspected. Third, mouth breathing: In such cases, switching to nasal breathing often markedly alleviates dry mouth.

Saliva serves multiple functions, including maintaining oral moisture, aiding digestion, and exerting antibacterial effects. In healthy individuals, daily salivary secretion amounts to approximately 2,000–3,000 mL. A sensation of dry mouth (xerostomia) indicates alterations in salivary production or composition. Besides objective factors—such as insufficient water intake, consumption of overly salty or dry foods, intense physical activity, and profuse sweating—dry mouth may signal an underlying health issue requiring medical attention. Common causes of xerostomia include the following:

First, diabetes mellitus: If dry mouth occurs alongside symptoms such as increased hunger, frequent urination (polyuria), and unexplained weight loss, diabetes should be suspected.

Second, Sjögren’s syndrome: If dry mouth coexists with dry eyes (xerophthalmia) and markedly reduced secretion of both saliva and tears, Sjögren’s syndrome should be considered.

Third, mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth can lead to oral dryness. In such cases, switching to nasal breathing often significantly alleviates the symptom.

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