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What does a very dry mouth indicate?

A very dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common condition that can be caused by various factors. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of what dry mouth is, what causes it, and when to see a doctor.

What is dry mouth?

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva, or spit, to keep the mouth wet. Saliva is important for breaking down food, protecting teeth, and preventing infection. When there is not enough saliva, the mouth feels uncomfortably dry and sticky. This can make tasks like talking, chewing, and swallowing difficult.

What causes dry mouth?

There are several possible causes of dry mouth:

  • Medications – Hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can reduce saliva production, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and pain medications.
  • Medical conditions – Dry mouth can be a symptom of conditions like diabetes, strokes, anxiety disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
  • Radiation therapy – Radiation treatment to the head and neck area can damage salivary glands, leading to dry mouth.
  • Chemotherapy – Anti-cancer drugs can reduce saliva production.
  • Autoimmune diseases – Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome attack the salivary glands.
  • Nerve damage – Injuries to the head/neck area or conditions like Bell’s palsy can affect nerves that control saliva production.
  • Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dry mouth.
  • Aging – Saliva production tends to decrease as we get older.
  • Habits – Breathing through the mouth, chewing gum, drinking alcohol, and using tobacco can all dry out the mouth.

When to see a doctor

Occasional dry mouth usually isn’t concerning. But see a doctor if:

  • Dry mouth is severe and persistent
  • Dry mouth disrupts your sleep
  • You have mouth pain, sores, or infections
  • Dry mouth significantly impacts your speech or ability to eat
  • You have swelling in the salivary glands
  • You have other unexplained oral changes

A doctor can help determine if an underlying medical condition is causing your dry mouth and recommend appropriate treatment.

Symptoms

In addition to the feeling of dryness, other signs and symptoms of dry mouth include:

  • Sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
  • Burning sensation in the mouth
  • Sore throat
  • Cracked lips
  • Dry, rough tongue
  • Mouth ulcers or sores
  • Halitosis (bad breath)
  • Difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing
  • Denture problems
  • Increased thirst
  • Difficulty tasting food
  • Dry nasal passages
  • Cracked corners of the mouth
  • Infections of the mouth

The symptoms may be worse in the morning and improve during the day. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to significantly impacting speaking, eating, and overall quality of life.

Risk Factors

Factors that can increase your risk of developing dry mouth include:

  • Older age – Saliva production decreases as we get older.
  • Female gender – Women are more prone to dry mouth, especially after menopause.
  • Medications – Hundreds of prescription and OTC drugs can reduce saliva.
  • Medical treatments – Chemotherapy and radiation to the head/neck area can cause dry mouth.
  • Chronic health problems – Conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, anxiety, depression.
  • Tobacco use – Chewing tobacco and smoking restrict saliva flow.
  • Breathing through mouth – This can dry out the mouth.
  • Alcohol use – Drinking alcohol reduces saliva production.
  • Caffeine – Beverages with caffeine can dehydrate you and cause dry mouth.
  • Mouth breathing during sleep – This can dry the mouth at night.

Having one or more of these risk factors may make you prone to dry mouth.

Complications

If left untreated, dry mouth can lead to several complications:

  • Dental problems – Saliva helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and wash away food particles. Without enough saliva, acid can demineralize enamel, leading to increased cavities. Dry mouth also contributes to gum disease, fungal infections, and bad breath.
  • Mouth sores – Dry, irritated tissues in the mouth are more prone to painful canker sores.
  • Denture issues – Saliva helps keep dentures in place. Without enough saliva, dentures can become uncomfortable and loose.
  • Difficulty speaking – A dry mouth and throat makes it difficult to speak clearly.
  • Difficulty swallowing – Saliva helps ease swallowing. Dry mouth can cause choking episodes.
  • Impaired taste – Saliva helps dissolve food particles to enhance taste. With reduced saliva, foods may taste bland.
  • Sleep issues – Dry mouth at night may disrupt sleep quality.
  • Infection – Particularly fungal infections like oral thrush.
  • Nutritional deficiencies – Problems chewing and swallowing can result in poor intake of foods and nutrients.

Prompt treatment for dry mouth can help prevent these complications.

Diagnosis

To diagnose dry mouth, a doctor will:

  • Ask about your symptoms and medical history
  • Review medications you are taking
  • Conduct an oral exam to check for signs of dry mouth
  • Evaluate salivary flow by:
    • Measuring moisture on gums, tongue, and inside of cheeks
    • Checking how long it takes for saliva to rewet the mouth after swallowing
    • Using imaging tests like MRIs or ultrasounds of the salivary glands
  • Consider blood tests to check for autoimmune conditions
  • Take cultures to check for infection

Based on the evaluation, the doctor will determine the likely cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Treatment and Management

Treatment focuses on addressing any underlying cause of dry mouth and managing symptoms. Options may include:

  • Medication changes – Switching to saliva-friendly alternatives or adjusting dosages of causative medications.
  • Oral hygiene – Brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and gum disease. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
  • Sugar-free gum/candy – Chewing stimulates saliva production.
  • Moisturizing sprays/gels – Using oral lubricants provides temporary relief.
  • Sipping water – Frequently drinking small amounts of water helps moisten the mouth.
  • Humidifier – Adding moisture to the air can help at night.
  • Prescription drugs – Medications like pilocarpine promote saliva production.
  • Oral supplements – Using specially formulated rinses or gels.
  • Salivary stimulants – Citrus fruits, popcorn, pine nuts can help stimulate saliva.

Seeing an oral health specialist may also help manage severe dry mouth. Treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent complications of this troublesome condition.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, having a dry mouth occasionally isn’t a concern. But it’s important to consult your doctor if you experience:

  • Persistent dry mouth symptoms that don’t improve with self-care
  • Severe dry mouth that makes eating, speaking, swallowing very difficult
  • Dry mouth that disrupts sleep
  • Swelling or pain in the salivary glands
  • Mouth sores or infections that keep recurring
  • Rapid formation of cavities
  • Unexplained oral health changes

Schedule an appointment if dry mouth is significantly impacting your daily life. Your doctor can check for underlying problems and help manage your symptoms.

Self-Care and Prevention

You can use these self-care tips to manage occasional dry mouth episodes or prevent dry mouth:

  • Drink plenty of water – Stay well hydrated by frequently sipping water throughout the day.
  • Chew gum – Chewing sugar-free gum boosts saliva flow.
  • Use a humidifier – Adding moisture to the air prevents mouth and nasal passages from drying out.
  • Avoid tobacco and alcohol – These restrict saliva production.
  • Breathe through your nose – Avoid mouth breathing which can dry your mouth.
  • Take breaks from medications – Discuss with your doctor if you can briefly stop causative medications.
  • Try warm teas, broths, soup – The warmth and saltiness can moisturize the mouth.
  • Use oral moisturizers – Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes and oral lubricants.
  • Use lip balm – Apply lip balm regularly to prevent chapped lips.

Practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can also help prevent dry mouth.

When to See an Oral Health Professional

You may need specialized dental treatment for dry mouth if you have:

  • Severe symptoms that persist despite self-care
  • Difficulty eating, speaking, swallowing due to dry mouth
  • Mouth or tongue pain
  • Increased dental cavities or gum disease
  • Oral fungal or bacterial infections
  • Sleep disturbances due to nighttime dry mouth
  • Need customized treatment plans and specialized oral products

See an oral health specialist like a dentist or otolaryngologist if your symptoms are significantly impacting your oral health and quality of life.

Takeaways

Here are some key points to remember about dry mouth:

  • Dry mouth is usually caused by medications, chronic illnesses, aging, or damaging treatments.
  • It increases the risk of dental issues, speech/eating difficulties, and infections.
  • Diagnosis involves evaluating symptoms, saliva flow, and oral health.
  • Treatment aims to stimulate saliva flow and prevent complications.
  • See a doctor for persistent, severe symptoms or oral health changes.
  • Proper hydration, oral hygiene, and moisturizing products can help manage dry mouth.

The Bottom Line

Dry mouth is a common problem that can impact your oral and overall health. Pay attention to symptoms and see a doctor if your dry mouth becomes severe or persistent. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can restore healthy saliva levels and improve your quality of life.

Severity Symptoms
Mild Intermittent dry, sticky feeling in mouth or throat; need to drink water to aid swallowing
Moderate Frequent sticky, dry feeling; difficulty chewing, swallowing, tasting; increased dental cavities
Severe Constant dryness, discomfort; very difficult to talk, eat, swallow; mouth sores/infection; disrupted sleep

This table summarizes symptoms at different severities of dry mouth. Mild cases have intermittent dry feelings. Moderate cases cause difficulty with functions like chewing and swallowing. Severe cases have constant dryness that significantly impairs speech, eating, and sleep.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor promptly if you have severe or persistent dry mouth symptoms, such as:

  • Constant dry, uncomfortable feeling in the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing foods
  • Impaired ability to speak or move the tongue
  • Disrupted sleep due to dry mouth
  • Decreased or altered sense of taste
  • Increased dental cavities or decay
  • Swelling or pain in the salivary glands
  • Recurring mouth infections

Severe dry mouth can signify an underlying health condition and lead to oral health complications. Seek medical care to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.