If your mouth has been feeling dry lately, you aren't imagining it. Dry mouth is common among older people; however, it is not a normal part of aging.

Dry mouth occurs when you don't have enough saliva in your mouth. This can cause health problems because saliva has many roles:

• It protects teeth from decay by washing away bacteria.
• It helps digest food.
• It helps heal mouth sores.

People with dry mouth may notice a sticky, dry feeling in their mouths. Other people may notice a burning feeling - or foods may not taste right. The throat may feel dry or sore. They may be more likely to get mouth sores, cracked lips and a dry, rough tongue, and they may have trouble swallowing.

Medications may be the culprit, since many - about 400 - can cause dry mouth. These medications - both over-the-counter and prescription - can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva or change how saliva itself works.

Such medications include antihistamines (for allergies), decongestants (to break up coughs), painkillers, muscle relaxants and antidepressants. Medications to treat high blood pressure and urinary incontinence can also cause dry mouth. Radiation of the head and neck to treat cancer can cause the salivary glands to not work as well.

Another cause could be a medical condition like diabetes, AIDS or Sjogren's syndrome (a disease that causes the body to attack its own moisture-producing glands).

A problem with dry mouth is that it may make you avoid nutritious foods. That may be because foods like whole grains breads, cereals and some fruits may be harder to chew and swallow when you have dry mouth.

What you can do

• Talk to your doctor about your dry mouth. You may be able to change your medications, if they are the cause.
• Drink plenty of water and sugarless drinks. This can help with swallowing and chewing.
• Don't use tobacco or drink alcohol. Both of these can dry out your mouth.
• Don't have drinks that contain caffeine because these can also dry out your mouth.
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy. This can help get your salivary glands going.
• Use a humidifier at night to help moisten the air while you sleep.
• Don't eat spicy or salty foods.
• Brush and floss twice a day.
• Ask your dentist about using artificial over-the-counter saliva.

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External Sources National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry mouth. Accessed April 15, 2007. American Dental Association. Dry mouth. Accessed April 15, 2007.