Fairfield-Echo.com

(HealthDay News) -- Dry mouth -- when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva -- can lead to tooth decay, trouble chewing and swallowing, and infections of the mouth.

According to the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the condition can develop for a number of reasons:

• Use of certain medications, including some drugs for high blood pressure and depression.
• Development of certain diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or Parkinson's.
• Use of radiation therapy or chemotherapy for treatment of cancer.
• Development of nerve damage in the head or neck.