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We all have a dry mouth on occasion, but a chronically dry mouth deserves a visit to your doctor. A number of illnesses and conditions can cause a chronically dry mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Medications
Medications may cause dry mouth, especially urinary incontinence, Parkinson's and high-blood pressure medications, and anti-diarrheals, muscle relaxants and antihistamines.
Nerve Damage
Injuries to your head or neck may injure nerves and cause dry mouth.
Cancer Therapy
Chemotherapy can change the amount of saliva you produce, and radiation of the head or neck affects salivary glands.
Other Health Issues
A number of other illnesses and their treatments can cause dry mouth. Among them are diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Sjogren's syndrome, anxiety disorders and depression.
Aging
Dry mouths are common among older people because of their medications and heath issues.
Aggravating Factors
Snoring and mouth breathing aggravate dry mouth. Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco encourages and aggravates a dry mouth.
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