I Have Dry Mouth All the Time β Is It Related to Cancer?
Persistent dry mouth (xerostomia) is very common and can be frustrating. Here is what might be causing it.
Dry mouth is rarely a direct sign of cancer, but it can be related in a few important ways.
- Common causes include:
- Medications β hundreds of medications cause dry mouth, including antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and decongestants. This is the #1 cause
- Dehydration β not drinking enough water
- Mouth breathing β especially at night
- Sjogren's syndrome β an autoimmune condition that affects saliva production
- Aging β saliva production can decrease naturally
- Diabetes β high blood sugar levels can cause dry mouth
- Radiation therapy β if you have had radiation to the head or neck for cancer, this can permanently damage salivary glands
- When dry mouth IS related to cancer:
- If you have had radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, dry mouth is a common long-term side effect
- A tumor in a salivary gland can cause dryness, but usually only on one side
- Very rarely, mouth breathing from a blocked nasal passage caused by a tumor
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Started when you began a new medication
- Worse in the morning (mouth breathing at night)
- Improves with drinking water
- Both sides of the mouth equally dry
- Worth having checked:
- Sudden, severe dry mouth with no clear cause
- Dry mouth on one side only
- Dry mouth with a lump or swelling in the cheek or under the jaw
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or tasting food
- Dry eyes as well as dry mouth
When to See a Doctor
- See a doctor if:
- Dry mouth is persistent and interferes with eating or speaking
- You have a lump or swelling in your cheek, jaw, or neck
- You have dry eyes along with dry mouth
- You have difficulty swallowing
- You have not changed medications and have no explanation