What causes a dry mouth and how can it be treated my tongue feels scaly

ELJAY,

THERE ARE SOME CONDITIONS WHICH DO CAUSE XEROSTOMIA (dry mouth).THE MOST COMMON IS MEDICATIONS. ANOTHER ONE IS DIABETES,BUT THERE ARE OTHER EXPLANATIONS AS WELL.

Causes

On any given day, the average healthy adult produces about 3 pints of saliva. This secretion serves many purposes. Most noticeably, saliva makes it easier to talk. Saliva also helps prevent tooth decay. It washes away food and plaque from your teeth. Minerals found in saliva help repair early tooth decay. Saliva also limits bacterial growth that can dissolve tooth enamel or lead to mouth infections. And saliva neutralizes damaging acids in your mouth. Saliva enhances your ability to taste your food and makes it easier to swallow. In addition, enzymes in saliva aid in digestion.

Dry mouth can be part of the normal aging process. As you get older, your salivary glands may secrete less saliva. Thirst and your perception of thirst also may change. Thirst receptors in your brain become less responsive to your body's need for fluids. But most xerostomia actually is related to the medications taken by older adults rather than to the effects of aging.

Hundreds of medications, including some over-the-counter drugs, produce dry mouth as a side effect. Among the more likely types to cause problems are some of the drugs used to treat depression and anxiety, antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, anti-diarrheals, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, and Parkinson's disease medications.