Major Research Findings

Dry mouth has a variety of causes, including medications, radiation therapy, autoimmune diseases, and genetic mutations. found that mutations in the FGF10 gene can cause aplasia of the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to dry mouth. found that methamphetamine use can cause dry mouth and promote bacterial growth, which can lead to tooth decay. showed that sphingosine-1-phosphate may be effective in preventing irreversible dry mouth caused by radiation therapy. found that patients with celiac disease often experience symptoms of dry mouth. found that salivary gland dysfunction may be related to abnormalities in intracellular calcium signaling. found that an NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor may exacerbate symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease. 6 found that vibegron, a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist, may be effective for children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity who are unresponsive to anticholinergics.

Reasons for Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva produced. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by lubricating the mouth, helping to swallow food, protecting teeth, and preventing bacterial growth. When saliva production decreases, these functions are impaired, leading to the symptoms of dry mouth.

Common Causes

Medications

Many medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect. 1 , 4 , 2

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy for head and neck cancers can damage salivary glands and decrease saliva production. ,

Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the salivary and lacrimal glands, causing dry mouth and dry eyes. , , , , ,

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten, and may cause symptoms of dry mouth.

Methamphetamine Use

Methamphetamine use can cause dry mouth and promote tooth decay.

Genetic Mutations

Mutations in the FGF10 gene can cause aplasia of the lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to dry mouth.

Aging

Saliva production may decrease with age. 1

Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity is a condition where the bladder muscle contracts excessively, leading to symptoms like urine leakage and frequent urination. It may also cause dry mouth. 6

Dehydration

Dehydration can decrease saliva production.

Stress

Stress can decrease saliva production.

Other

Other factors can contribute to dry mouth. Mouth breathing, dry mouth environment, and mouth breathing while sleeping can contribute to dry mouth.

Solutions for Dry Mouth

Medication-induced Dry Mouth

If you are taking medications that may cause dry mouth, consult your doctor to consider changing medications or reducing dosage. 1 , 4

Radiation Therapy-induced Dry Mouth

Radiation therapy-induced dry mouth can persist even after radiation therapy is completed. ,

Sjögren's Syndrome-induced Dry Mouth

Sjögren's syndrome-induced dry mouth can be treated with artificial saliva and salivary gland stimulants. , , , , ,

Celiac Disease-induced Dry Mouth

Celiac disease-induced dry mouth may improve by avoiding gluten intake.

Methamphetamine Use-induced Dry Mouth

Methamphetamine use-induced dry mouth may improve by discontinuing methamphetamine use.

Genetic Mutation-induced Dry Mouth

There is currently no cure for dry mouth caused by genetic mutations.

Age-related Dry Mouth

Age-related dry mouth can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water and using products designed for dry mouth. 1

Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity-induced Dry Mouth

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity-induced dry mouth can be treated with anticholinergics. 6

Dehydration-induced Dry Mouth

Dehydration-induced dry mouth can be relieved by drinking plenty of water.

Stress-induced Dry Mouth

Stress-induced dry mouth may improve by reducing stress.

Other

If the cause of dry mouth is unknown, consult a dentist or otolaryngologist.

Comparison between Studies

Similarities

Many studies agree that dry mouth is caused by a decrease in saliva production. It has also been shown that dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors such as medication, radiation therapy, and autoimmune diseases.

Differences

Studies have yielded different results regarding the specific genes and proteins that cause dry mouth. Also, there is no established cure for dry mouth.

Precautions for Applying Research Findings to Daily Life

Dry mouth can significantly reduce quality of life. Therefore, if you are concerned about dry mouth symptoms, consult a dentist or otolaryngologist promptly. Drinking plenty of water and using products designed for dry mouth can help prevent dry mouth.

Limitations of Current Research

There is still much unknown about the causes and treatments for dry mouth and further research is needed. Specifically, detailed research is needed to understand how genetic mutations and protein abnormalities contribute to dry mouth.

Future Research Directions

Research is needed to develop new drugs and treatments to prevent and treat dry mouth. Research is also needed to understand how genetic mutations and protein abnormalities contribute to dry mouth.

Conclusion

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors and can significantly reduce quality of life. If you are concerned about dry mouth symptoms, consult a dentist or otolaryngologist promptly.