Dry mouth occurs when there isn't enough moisture to keep the mouth adequately wet, usually because the salivary glands aren't functioning properly. Occasionally, everyone experiences dry mouth when they feel nervous, upset, or stressed. However, if someone frequently has a dry mouth, it can be uncomfortable and potentially lead to significant health issues. It can make tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking difficult. If left untreated, persistent dry mouth might increase the risk of tooth decay and oral infections. It is not a typical aspect of aging and could indicate underlying systemic conditions like Sjogren's syndrome. Additionally, certain medications can contribute to dry mouth. Medically, this condition is known as xerostomia, derived from the Greek words "xeros" for dry and "stoma" for mouth.
