There are many causes of mouth dryness, including:

• Side effects of medications (especially diuretics, antihistamines, decongestants, chemotherapy, and drugs for Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and psychiatric diseases)
• Diabetes
• Mumps or other infections, especially if associated with dehydration
• Sjogren's syndrome or related autoimmune conditions (those in which the body's immune system attacks tissues in the body)
• Radiation therapy
• Nerve damage (which can come after an injury or surgery near the salivary glands)
• Dehydration
• Smoking
• Mouth breathing (as many people do while sleeping)

As we age, we produce less saliva. In many cases, no cause can be found.

Besides the annoying sensation of dryness, complications of dry mouth include tooth decay, sores in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. While dry mouth is not considered dangerous, some associated conditions (such as diabetes) can have important health consequences.

See your doctor about your mouth dryness and learn about all your treatment options. You may find that the cause is something that can be easily treated, such as stopping or changing one of your medications. In the meantime, brush your teeth often, floss regularly and use a fluoride rinse to reduce your chances of developing cavities.