LAB TEST
Dry mouth
Dry mouth occurs when you don't make enough saliva. This causes your mouth to feel dry and uncomfortable. Dry mouth that is ongoing may be a sign of illness, and can lead to problems with your mouth and teeth.
Considerations
Saliva helps you break down and swallow foods and protects teeth from decay. A lack of saliva may cause a sticky, dry feeling in your mouth and throat. Your saliva may become thick or stringy. Other symptoms may include: Cracked lips Dry, rough, or raw tongue Loss of taste Sore throat Burning or tingling sensation in…
Causes
Dry mouth occurs when salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep your mouth wet or they stop making it altogether. Common causes of dry mouth include: Many medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and medicines for conditions including high blood pressure,…
Home Care
Try these tips to soothe dry mouth symptoms: Drink plenty of water or fluids to stay hydrated. Suck on ice chips, frozen grapes, or sugar-free frozen fruit pops to help keep your mouth moist. Chew sugar-free gum or hard candy to stimulate saliva flow. Try to breathe through your nose and not your mouth. Use a…
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if: You have dry mouth that does not go away You have trouble swallowing You have a burning sensation in your mouth You have white patches in your mouth
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Proper treatment involves finding out the cause of dry mouth. Your provider will: Review your medical history Examine your symptoms Take a look at the medicines you are taking Your provider may order: Blood tests Imaging scans of your salivary gland Salivary flow collection test to measure saliva production in your…
References
Elluru RG. Physiology of the salivary glands. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 81. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Dry mouth. www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth . Updated…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 27/04/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.