Salivary Gland Disorders

Dry mouth or Xerostomia can be caused by some commonly used medications for blood pressure and depression, antihistamines and many others. Radiotherapy, Radioactive iodine, diabetes and Sjögren's disease are a few other reasons for this disorder. Xerostomia can also happen with age.

People experiencing dry mouth are advised to follow a strict dental hygiene. Drinking sufficient fluids, oral washes, saliva substitutes or salivation-stimulating substances called sialogogues can help address various underlying issues. Xerostomia associated with radiotherapy can be treated by pilocarpine - a cholinergic medication.