dry mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth don't produce enough saliva. Saliva is essential for keeping the mouth moist, aiding digestion, and protecting teeth from decay. When saliva flow decreases, your mouth can feel dry, sticky, and uncomfortable, which may lead to difficulties speaking, swallowing, or tasting. Dry mouth can result from factors like dehydration, medications, health conditions, or aging. Managing it often involves staying hydrated, avoiding mouth-drying substances, and in some cases, using saliva substitutes or consulting a healthcare professional for underlying causes.