Dry Mouth: Overview
Saliva is needed in order to moisten our mouths, help digest food, swallow, clean our mouths and control growths of bacteria and fungus in the mouth.
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Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Sores inside the mouth
- Sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth
- Cracked lips
- Dry throat
- Sore throat
- Burning or tingling of the tongue and/or mouth
- A dry/red/raw tongue
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty tasting
- Difficulty chewing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarse voice
- Dry nasal passages
Treatment and Prevention
Consider taking the following steps:
- Investigate and try to eliminate underlying medical conditions
- Try to replace or reduce medications that may be causing dry mouth
- Use an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture
- Use a medication that stimulates saliva production
- Suck on candies or chew gum (preferably sugar-free
- Drink plenty of water
- Protect your teeth through proper brushing and regular dentist visits
- Breath through your nose, not your mouth
- Avoid dry air, use a vaporizer to add moisture the air
- Use an artificial saliva substitute.
On This Page
Dry Mouth:Signs, symptoms & indicators of Dry Mouth:
Symptoms - Food - Beverages
Symptoms - Head - Mouth/Oral
Counter-indicators
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Conditions that suggest Dry Mouth:
Dental / Oral
Periodontal Disease - Gingivitis
Saliva helps fight the bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Digestion
Infections
Risk factors for Dry Mouth:
Addictions
Aging
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's patients may have a diminished thirst signal so they don't feel thirsty and drink water when they are dehydrated. In addition, dry mouth is very common among seniors and those with Alzheimer's may not tell anyone that they are thirsty due to reduced mental functioning.
Allergy
Autoimmune
Circulation
Diet
Dehydration
The body will conserve fluid in various ways when we are dehydrated and one of these is a reduction in saliva production, which results in a drier mouth.
Drug Side-Effect
Chemotherapy Side-Effects
Radiation can damage the salivary glands and reduce the amount of saliva produced.
(Prescription) Drug Side-Effects
Hundreds of drugs list dry mouth as a possible side-effect. Antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants are among the drugs that can cause dry mouth. Those taking two different medications are up to 40% more likely to suffer from dry mouth.
Genetic
Immunity
Infections
Musculo-Skeletal
Organ Health
Supplements, Medications, Drugs
Methamphetamine use
'Meth Mouth' is involves an excessively dry mouth ('cotton mouth'); cavities; decaying or rotting teeth; brittle or loose teeth; tooth cracking and breakage; and eventual tooth loss.
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Weak or unproven link:
may be a sign or symptom of; may increase risk of
Strong or generally accepted link:
often suggests; often increases risk of
Definite or direct link:
is a sign or symptom of; increases risk of
Definitely or absolutely counter-indicates:
strongly contraindicates
Last updated: Apr 01, 2024