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What are the Most Common Dry Mouth Symptoms?

Niki Acker
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,249
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Dry mouth symptoms occur when a person's mouth does not produce an adequate amount of saliva. In a healthy mouth, saliva works to digest food and cleanse the mouth. When saliva is not produced at normal rates due to dehydration, or malfunction of the salivary glands, the mouth can become uncomfortably dry and more susceptible to infection.

The most common dry mouth symptoms are a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth and constant thirst. The throat may also feel dry or sore, and the tongue may become painful, red, and raw. The lips, or corners of the mouth, may crack or form sores. Sores in the mouth are also common.

A person suffering from dry mouth symptoms may have difficulty talking and eating, possibly developing a hoarse voice. The nasal passages may also become dry as a result of dry mouth. Finally, halitosis, or bad breath, is a common symptom of dry mouth, as bacteria and fungi grow more easily in the absence of saliva. People with dry mouth are at a greater risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and mouth infections.

Dry mouth symptoms can result as a side effect of a number of medications and medical conditions. Prescription and over-the-counter medications including antihistamines, decongestants, sedatives, analgesics, muscle relaxants, diuretics, and antidepressants can cause dry mouth. Some medical conditions that can present with dry mouth include Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Alzheimer's, anemia, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, hypertension, mumps, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and stroke. Dry mouth can also be caused by trauma to the salivary glands, nerve damage to the head or neck, or any conditions that cause dehydration. Finally, dry mouth symptoms can also be the result of lifestyle choices, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, breathing with the mouth open, or even result from simple nervous tension.

If dry mouth occurs because of medication, dehydration, or nervous tension it is probably temporary, and symptoms will subside when the trigger is removed. Making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking can also reverse dry mouth symptoms. However, sometimes saliva production is permanently impaired.

Dry mouth symptoms can be treated with an oral rinse designed to replace moisture. It also helps to practice good oral hygiene, drink plenty of water, and to practice breathing through the nose. Chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking on sugar-free candy can help stimulate saliva production, and using a humidifier in the bedroom helps keep the air moist during sleep. Over-the-counter saliva substitutes are also available for people suffering from dry mouth symptoms.

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Niki Acker
By Niki Acker
"In addition to her role as a WiseGeek editor, Niki Foster is passionate about educating herself on a wide range of interesting and unusual topics to gather ideas for her own articles. A graduate of UCLA with a double major in Linguistics and Anthropology, Niki's diverse academic background and curiosity make her well-suited to create engaging content for WiseGeekreaders. "

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Discussion Comments
By stoneMason — On May 16, 2013

@burcinc-- Yes! I get this feeling whenever my blood sugar is high. My mouth becomes sticky and dry and I end up drinking a ton of water.

Do you have other symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia? I hope you've seen a doctor about this.

By burcidi — On May 15, 2013

Smoking is a major cause of dry mouth like the article said. I used to have a chronic dry mouth and sore throat when I smoked. The last couple of years, I had also developed a dry cough. I would chew gum and drink hot liquids to try to relieve it. Hot tea and coffee used to help temporarily but the dry feeling always came back.

I made the best decision of my life by quitting smoking. I never have these issues now. It took several months for my saliva balance to return and the coughing to stop. But I have not had dry mouth and throat ever since. If any smokers are reading this, please quit as soon as possible!

By burcinc — On May 15, 2013

Does anyone feel like their mouth is full of sugar when it's dry?

I get this feeling all the time, like I have a spoonful of table sugar in my mouth.

Niki Acker
Niki Acker
"In addition to her role as a WiseGeek editor, Niki Foster is passionate about educating herself on a wide range of...
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