Conditions
Xerostomia
Xerostomia is the medical term for chronic dry mouth caused by reduced or absent saliva flow, often as a side effect of medications, certain diseases, or radiation therapy.
Reduced saliva increases the risk of decay, gum disease, and oral candidiasis. Stress can also play a role — see can stress cause dry mouth?. Management includes hydration, sugar-free gum, saliva substitutes, and high-fluoride toothpaste.
Also known as
- Dry mouth