Medications can impact saliva production and lead to dry mouth.

Taking medication is the #1 cause of Dry Mouth. Dry Mouth can be a side effect of more than 500 different medications, including over-the-counter and commonly prescribed medications.

Hundreds of medications, including many that are over-the-counter, produce Dry Mouth symptoms as a side effect.Taking multiple medications may increase your risk of Dry Mouth by 40%.

Some of the most common medications that can cause Dry Mouth include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Decongestants
  • Antihistamines
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Appetite suppressants
  • Diuretics

Medical treatments and therapies can also cause Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth can be a common side effect of various medical treatments. Specifically, if you’re being treated for cancer, your chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatments can lead to Dry Mouth. You may also experience Dry Mouth if you’re taking medications to relieve depression or anxiety, or being treated for an overactive bladder.

Medications and Tooth Decay.

Something patients may not realize is how medications you are taking, can increase your decay. This is because medications cause reduced saliva flow. Reduced saliva flow increases your caries rate, because saliva is very important in washing away plaque and debris to protect your teeth. Bacteria can start a cavity or build tartar in as little as 90 days.

One more important reason to keep your regular hygiene visits, INCLUDING application of Fluoride. Fluoride keeps the "invaders" from going rampant in your mouth.