Overview
Xerostomia means a persistently dry mouth from reduced saliva. Saliva does more than keep the mouth comfortable — it protects the teeth and helps with chewing, tasting and swallowing. When it runs low, the mouth feels parched, food is harder to swallow, and tooth decay and infections become more likely. It is often a side effect of medicines or a sign of dehydration or another condition, and treating the cause brings relief.
Symptoms
- A constant dry, sticky feeling in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
- A dry or grooved tongue
- Bad breath and altered taste
- More frequent tooth decay and mouth infections
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or dentist if a dry mouth is constant, affects eating or speech, or leads to dental problems.
Causes
Many medicines, dehydration, diabetes, smoking, mouth-breathing, radiation to the head and neck, and some autoimmune conditions.