Why Is My Mouth So Dry?

Extreme mouth dryness, a condition known as xerostomia, can be a real problem for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) for several reasons. Some factors that may be making your mouth dry are:

• Decreased saliva production because of the effect of CF on the salivary glands
• Medications, especially those that are inhaled
• Oxygen use

More than just an annoyance, mouth dryness can lead to swallowing difficulties, cavities, or gum disease over time. If your mouth is feeling exceptionally dry, you can try some of these tactics to help you get relief:

• Brush and floss your teeth twice a day
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy
• Drink plenty of water
• Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes
• Avoid citrus juices, alcohol, and caffeine
• Avoid dry foods like toast and crackers
• Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth when possible
• If you use oxygen, make sure it is humidified

_Sources:

_{Academy of General Dentistry. 2007. “What is Dry Mouth?”}

_{Davis, P.B. “ Pathophysiology of Cystic Fibrosis With Emphasis on Salivary Gland Involvement.”. J Dent Res (1987) 66: 667-71. 11 July 2009.}