Having dry mouth happens when mouth glands that produce saliva are not properly working. There’s usually not enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.

Several causes of having dry mouth are from a disease that affected the salivary gland or a side effect from medicines taken. There are more than 400 medicines than can cause you to produce less saliva, such as anti-depressant and high blood pressure medicines. Certain therapy’s can also be the cause of the production of less saliva like radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

There are various ways for your salivary gland to produce more saliva. Drinking water or any sugarless drinks often can help. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and sodas as well as alcoholic drinks and tobacco that often dry out the mouth. In order to stimulate the flow of saliva, chew sugarless gum or sugarless hard candy (cinnamon, mint or citrus flavors are better). You can also opt to use a humidifier to help increase moisture in a room.