(HealthDayNews) -- The name may not be familiar, but xerostomia -- more commonly referred to as dry mouth -- is a common problem among adults. While it has several causes, it is not a normal by-product of aging. Research has shown that adults and children produce similar amounts of saliva, a shortage of which causes this dry, unpleasant-tasting effect.
A problem for individuals with Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus, diabetes and other immune diseases, dry mouth also can be caused by any of 400 or more medications -- some prescription, some available over the counter. Many of these meds are intended to treat high blood pressure or depression. Others are antihistamines -- for treating asthma and allergies. When two or more such medications are taken together, the dry mouth effect can be compounded.
The condition can be further aggravated if, while taking "drying" medications, you drink caffeinated, sweet or alcoholic beverages or you smoke, or eat salty or sugary snacks.
Some cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, or radiation to the head or neck, can cause dry mouth, too.
As well as making your mouth feel and taste unpleasant, dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay because with too little saliva circulating in the mouth, bacteria and food particles are left where they can be troublesome.
The condition could possibly be relieved by taking small, frequent sips of water, sucking sugarless candies or chewing gum.
