Dry mouth

[Agnes]

Dry mouth is caused by a reduced or absent flow of saliva. This condition can cause discomfort, interfere with speech and swallowing, make wearing dentures difficult, cause bad breath (halitosis), and worsen oral hygiene by causing a decrease in the acidity of the mouth and an increase in bacterial growth, which contributes to the development of cavities. Longstanding dry mouth can result in severe tooth decay and candidiasis of the mouth. Dry mouth is a common complaint among older people.