HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Dry Mouth?

default
Posted on Wed, 28 May 2014
Question: Looking for some answers if thats possible.

For the last month i've had this really dry throat/mouth.

It started as what felt like thick mucus in the back of my throat that made it hard to swallow.

Ive now been experiencing a real dry mouth to the point where my top lip sticks to my gum and also together at times.

I did have a day or two where i had problems getting rid of saliva felt like i was swallowing all the time.

Since having this i wake up in the morning with a sore throat and very dry mouth.

Its becoming rather troublesome and was wondering if you had any ideas what it could be?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You should consult a physician.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I am Dr.Rovena
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
There are many causes that can cause dry mouth such as :
-Side effect of certain medications(include over the counter drugs).So I need to ask if you are taking any medication?
- Dry mouth can be a consequence of certain health conditions, including the autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, anxiety disorders and depression.
-Nerve damage or salivary glands damage.
- Snoring and breathing with your mouth open also can contribute to the problem.
-Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase dry mouth symptoms.

If you aren't taking any medication,don't smoke,don't breathe with your mouth open, and this condition continue I suggest to consult a physician so he can explore all the possibilities and find the right cause.
You'll need blood tests, imaging scans of your salivary glands or tests that measure how much saliva you produce to identify the cause.

If I were your treating doctor I would first try to exclude diabetes by doing a blood sugar test.

The treatment will depend upon the right diagnosis.
The doctor may prescribe you Pilocarpine to stimulate saliva production.
Meanwhile you can follow some tips:
-Chew sugar free gum
-Drink plenty of water
-Use an over the counter saliva substitutes (Biotene oral balances).

These can help but will not resolve the problem.
You should consult a physician and get examined to find out the right cause and than treat it.


Hope I was able to help you.
If you have any further questions please feel free to write me,I will be happy to help.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (45 hours later)
HI there,

Thanks for your reply and i apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

I am taking bupropion for anxiety which i have been on for about 3 months with no side effects, unless this is a delayed onset?

I omitted to mention that prior to this i had a problem with either excess saliva or reduced clearance.

I list the serious of events out for you below.

Few weeks ago excess saliva or reduced clearance, lasted about 3 days.

Dry throat throughout and metalic taste in mouth from time to time, also mouth sores come and go within a couple of days

Last week or so to now dry mouth, gums and lips, teeth clicking occasionally

Throat is really saw on right side that i can fee in my ears, and feel like i have the excess saliva thing again.

Any ideas?

I had blood test about a month ago and nothing came up.

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It might be a possible side effect of Bupropion.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Since you have done blood tests and everything was OK then we can exclude Diabetes as a possible cause.

Now that you mention that you are taking Bupropion for anxiety it is all more clear because dry mouth is a possible side effect of this drug.
The side effect of a medication can happen at any time,at the start of the drug taking or even when you take it for a long time.It can happen at any time during the treatment.

We need to considerate this like a possible cause of your complain.
The fact that you have mouth sores,throat sore is a consequence of the dry mouth because saliva has protective action against bacteria and other microorganisms.When you have dry mouth the mouth and throat are very susceptible to infections and inflammations.

I suggest to consult your treating doctor for the possibility to change Bupropion to another drug to treat your anxiety that doesn't have this side effect.

If dry mouth is a side effect of Bupropion you will feel better after changing the drug.
If this doesn't help than Bupropion wasn't the cause of your dry mouth.
In this case I suggest to consult a oral and maxillofacial surgeon to explore all the other possibilities in order to sort out the right cause and get the right treatment.
Let hope for the best.

Hope my answer has helped.
If you have further questions please write me ,otherwise you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Dry Mouth?

Brief Answer: You should consult a physician. Detailed Answer: Hello! I am Dr.Rovena I read carefully your query and understand your concern. There are many causes that can cause dry mouth such as : -Side effect of certain medications(include over the counter drugs).So I need to ask if you are taking any medication? - Dry mouth can be a consequence of certain health conditions, including the autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, anxiety disorders and depression. -Nerve damage or salivary glands damage. - Snoring and breathing with your mouth open also can contribute to the problem. -Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase dry mouth symptoms. If you aren't taking any medication,don't smoke,don't breathe with your mouth open, and this condition continue I suggest to consult a physician so he can explore all the possibilities and find the right cause. You'll need blood tests, imaging scans of your salivary glands or tests that measure how much saliva you produce to identify the cause. If I were your treating doctor I would first try to exclude diabetes by doing a blood sugar test. The treatment will depend upon the right diagnosis. The doctor may prescribe you Pilocarpine to stimulate saliva production. Meanwhile you can follow some tips: -Chew sugar free gum -Drink plenty of water -Use an over the counter saliva substitutes (Biotene oral balances). These can help but will not resolve the problem. You should consult a physician and get examined to find out the right cause and than treat it. Hope I was able to help you. If you have any further questions please feel free to write me,I will be happy to help. Take care. Dr.Rovena