We need saliva to moisten and clean our mouths and digest food, and saliva also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. If we do not produce enough saliva, our mouth becomes dry and uncomfortable, but fortunately, there are many effective treatments available. I. What causes dry mouth syndrome? The causes of dry mouth syndrome (dry mouth) are as follows: 1. Side effects of certain medications. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription or over-the-counter medications, including those used to treat the following conditions: depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic mental disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators) and Parkinson’s disease. Dry mouth is also a side effect of muscle relaxants and tranquilizers. 2. Side effects of certain diseases and infections. Dry mouth is a side effect of certain diseases, including: dry syndrome, HIV / AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and mumps. 3. Side effects of certain treatments. Damage to the salivary glands that secrete saliva, for example, for cancer head and neck radiation therapy and chemotherapy, can reduce saliva production. Nerve damage, injury or surgery to the nerves in the head and neck can lead to dry mouth. 4. Dehydration. Conditions that cause dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns can cause dry mouth. 5.Surgical removal of salivary glands. 6.Lifestyle. Smoking and chewing tobacco can affect saliva production and aggravate dry mouth. Mouth breathing can also lead to dry mouth. Second, what are the symptoms of dry mouth? Common symptoms of dry mouth include: sticky and dry mouth; frequent thirst; mouth ulcers; sores or ruptures at the corners of the mouth; dry and cracked lips; dry throat; burning or tingling sensation in the mouth, especially on the tongue; dry, red and sore tongue; affects speaking, tasting, chewing and swallowing; hoarse voice, dry nasal passages, sore throat; and bad breath. Why is dry mouth disease a problem? In addition to exacerbating all of the above symptoms, dry mouth can also increase the risk of gingivitis (periodontal disease), tooth decay, and oral infections such as thrush. It is also difficult for patients with dry mouth to wear dentures. How to treat dry mouth? We need saliva to moisten and clean our mouth and digest food. Saliva also prevents infections by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. If we don’t produce enough saliva, our mouths become dry and uncomfortable, but fortunately, there are many effective treatments available. If you think that dry mouth is caused by a certain medication, tell your doctor. He or she will adjust your dosage or switch to another medication that doesn’t cause dry mouth. Also, your doctor can prescribe a mouthwash to keep your mouth hydrated. If that doesn’t work, your doctor may prescribe Sulforaphane to stimulate saliva production. To improve saliva production you can take the following measures: 1. suck sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum 2. drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist 3. brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, use fluoride mouthwash to protect your teeth, and visit your dentist regularly. 4.Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as much as possible. 5.Use a humidifier to hydrate the air in your room. 6.Use over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes.