Causes of dry mouth

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Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors and is rarely a sign of anything serious.

You may think that you have a dry mouth due to being thirsty but this isn’t always the case. There are many causes of dry mouth including, multiple medications, underlying health issues and cancer treatment. Here we share the reasons behind the most common causes of dry mouth.

	Multiple medications. Dry mouth is a side effect of more than 500 medications, both OTC and prescription, and the prevalence increases with each medication taken. When a patient is taking 3 or more medications it leads to a 50% risk of developing the condition. Common medications with dry mouth as a side effect include antidepressants, antipsychotics and sedatives.
	Ageing. Older people are more likely to have symptoms of dry mouth. Certain changes in how the body processes medicine, poor nutrition and long-term health problems can cause dry mouth.
	Cancer treatment. People who are having treatment for cancer, in particular head and neck cancer, are at significant risk of developing dry mouth. It is one of the most common side effects during and after radiotherapy treatment and can also be a temporary side effect of chemotherapy.
	Diabetes. People with high blood sugar levels are prone to experiencing dry mouth and it can lead to further oral health complications. The likeliness of experiencing dry mouth with diabetes may be due to medication side effects.
	Dementia and Parkinson's. Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications taken for patients with Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
	Auto-immune diseases. Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome can have dry mouth as a symptom due to the body’s immune system attacking glands that secrete fluid, especially the saliva glands.
	Menopause. Dry mouth can be a symptom of the menopause as falling oestrogen levels result in a reduction in saliva production.
	Snoring and mouth breathing. Snoring and breathing with the mouth open can lead to dry mouth.
	Drug and alcohol use. Drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to more dry mouth symptoms. Illegal drug use, such as use of marijuana, can also cause dry mouth.

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors and is rarely a sign of anything serious.

Multiple medications.

Ageing.

Cancer treatment.

Diabetes.

Dementia and Parkinson's.

Auto-immune diseases.

Menopause.

Snoring and mouth breathing.

Drug and alcohol use.