R68.2: Dry mouth, unspecified

Dry mouth, also known medically as xerostomia, is a condition characterized by a lack of saliva in the mouth. It presents as a persistent sensation of dryness, often making it difficult for individuals to speak, eat, or swallow. Dry mouth is more than just a feeling of thirst; it can lead to complications like a sore throat, hoarseness, poor nutrition, tooth decay, and infections in the mouth. This condition may be indicative of other underlying health issues such as Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, or side effects from certain medications. Other factors that contribute to dry mouth include damage to salivary glands from radiation therapy or chemotherapy, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Aging does not directly cause dry mouth, but older people are often on multiple medications which may lead to this condition.

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