Dry mouth, which is also called xerostomia, occurs due to the decrease or absence of oral saliva production. There is a vast array of dry mouth causes that include dehydration, disease, medication use, normal aging or tobacco use, explains MayoClinic.com. Consequently, almost everyone experiences dry mouth symptoms at least once during their lives.
Oral Stickiness or Burning
The most obvious symptom of dry mouth is a sensation of stickiness or dryness within the oral cavity. The saliva can appear unusually thick, stringy or foamy, explains Merck Manual Professional, an online medical encyclopedia for health care professionals. Certain patients can also experience an abnormal burning oral sensation as a symptom of dry mouth.
Oral Skin Lesions
Oral skin lesions can develop as a symptom of dry mouth in certain patients. These skin ulcers can appear along the tongue, gums or inside the cheeks. Mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable and may contribute to difficulty eating or decreased appetite in affected patients.
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing
Normally, saliva acts to lubricate ingested food to help ease its passage down the throat and esophagus into the stomach. Low levels of saliva within the mouth can cause chewing or swallowing difficulties in patients with dry mouth, explain health professionals at Colgate World of Care, a website produced by Colgate-Palmolive, a leading oral, personal and home care company. Affected patients may cough or choke more easily while experiencing these dry mouth symptoms.
Cracked Lips
Dry mouth can cause patients to develop dry, cracked lips. Affected patients may notice that the corners of the mouth appear unusually red, irritated or cracked. The corners of the mouth can also develop sores or may begin to bleed, explains MayoClinic.com.
Taste Alterations
Saliva helps keep the tongue moist and supple and ensures that the taste buds function properly. Unusually low levels of saliva within the mouth can cause affected patients to experience taste alterations. As a result, food may taste unusually bland or unpalatable.
Sore Throat
Patients with dry mouth can develop a dry, sore throat, explains Colgate World of Care. Sore throat symptoms can interfere with a patient's ability to swallow and may contribute to a decreased appetite.
Foul Breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, can occur as a symptom of dry mouth, explains Merck Manual Professional. Bad breath due to dry mouth can be embarrassing and may persist even if a patient maintains good oral hygiene.
Increased Plaque or Tooth Decay
Dental problems can arise in patients who develop dry mouth, warns MayoClinic.com. Affected patients may notice an increase in plaque--a yellowish substance that accumulates along the gum line and teeth. Patients may also be more likely to develop tooth decay or cavities if dry mouth symptoms persist or become severe. It is important for patients with dry mouth to consult a dentist to receive further evaluation and care.
