Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. It can be a side effect of certain medications, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds, as well as high blood pressure, bladder-control issues, and Parkinsons disease. Dry mouth can also be caused by certain health conditions, such as Sjögrens syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, stroke, and mumps. Other causes include dehydration, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, nerve damage, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or breathing with your mouth open. Symptoms of dry mouth include a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth, frequent thirst, bad breath, difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing, a dry or sore throat, a changed sense of taste, and problems wearing dentures. If you experience persistent dry mouth signs and symptoms, it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor or dentist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.