Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth dont produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Side effects of certain medications, including those used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds.
• Medical conditions, such as Sjögrens syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinsons disease, stroke, and mumps.
• Dehydration, which can be caused by fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns.
• Surgical removal of the salivary glands.
• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, breathing with your mouth open, and drinking alcohol.
• Aging, as many older people experience dry mouth as they age.
• Other health conditions, such as yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth, autoimmune diseases, and cancer therapy.

Dry mouth can cause discomfort and increase the risk of dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include adjusting medications, using a saliva substitute, or taking medication to stimulate salivary gland function. Its important to maintain good oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly if you have dry mouth to reduce the risk of dental problems.