Dry mouth can be bad for your overall health

If your mouth and throat are constantly parched, you

probably have what people call dry mouth, and it sounds like little more than a nuisance. But call it by its medical name, xerostomia, and it sounds fearsome.

In most cases, dry mouth causes more discomfort than damage, but severe cases can lead to important complications. Dry mouth can rob you of the sense of taste, and it can make chewing slow and swallowing difficult. The combination may lead to malnutrition, and since saliva is important for dental health, tooth decay and periodontal disease can add to the problem.

First, be sure you're well-hydrated. If you breathe dry air through your mouth, especially at night, nasal decongestants may help restore nose breathing, and a bedroom humidifier can add moisture to the air you breathe.

CAUSES OF DRY MOUTH Medications are also common culprits. Drugs with anticholinergic properties cut down on the flow of saliva, producing a dry mouth. Common offenders include antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, antispasmodics and certain drugs used for Parkinson's disease, overactive bladder and chronic bronchitis. Take an inventory of your medications, but, even if you round up a few suspects, don't stop taking them until you check with your doctor.

Medical conditions are much less likely to be responsible for a dry mouth. Still, your doctor should check for oral candida infection (thrush) and for problems that affect the salivary glands themselves, such as Sjogren's syndrome.

KEEP IT WETBut don't let all this make you nervous; in fact, anxiety is itself a contributor to dry mouth.

Even if you can't correct the underlying cause of dry mouth, you can do things to promote comfort. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva flow. Avoid dry or very spicy foods. Drink plenty of water, but steer clear of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Try using artificial saliva, especially before meals. And don't forget regular dental care.