The majority of people will experience at least one episode of dry mouth or dry eye symptoms during their lives. People who develop frequent or chronic dry eye and dry mouth symptoms may have a medical condition called Sjögren's syndrome. This autoimmune disorder affects the ability of oral and ocular glands to produce moisture. Anyone who experiences recurrent dry eye and mouth symptoms should seek additional care from a medical professional.
Thick, Sticky Mucus
Unusually low levels of moisture within the mouth or eyes can cause thick, sticky mucus to accumulate within these body regions. In patients with dry eye, thick eye mucus can collect near the tear glands and may cause discomfort, explain health officials with the British Sjögren's Syndrome Association in the United Kingdom. Patients with dry mouth, a condition also called xerostomia, can develop sticky saliva, which may make it difficult for affected patients to chew, swallow or talk.
Eye or Mouth Irritation
Inadequate levels of moisture within the eyes and mouth can lead to significant irritation in affected patients. Dry mouth can cause patients to experience a burning sensation within the mouth that may be accompanied by a dry or sore throat, explain health officials with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a division of the National Institutes of Health. These symptoms of dry mouth can contribute to difficulties eating or speaking in certain patients.
Patients with dry eyes may develop a stinging or gritty sensation within the affected eye, according to medical professionals with the National Eye Institute. These eye irritation symptoms can cause the affected eye to appear unusually red or bloodshot. If these dry eye and mouth symptoms persist, affected patients should seek additional care from a medical professional.
Blurred or Fatigued Vision
Health professionals with the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation report that patients with dry eyes can experience vision-related difficulties as a symptom of this condition. Low moisture levels in the eyes can cause blurred or cloudy vision in affected patients. Additionally, these patients may experience an increased sensitivity to light. Eye fatigue can also occur as a symptom of dry eyes and may limit a patient's ability to read or work on the computer for extended periods of time, explains the NEI.
Oral Infections and Tooth Decay
Patients with dry mouth can be more susceptible to oral infections as a symptom of this condition, reports the NIDCR. Affected patients may develop painful mouth sores along the gums, tongue or inside the cheeks. These dry mouth symptoms can be uncomfortable and may alter a patient's taste perception. Certain patients may also experience tooth decay, which can become progressively worse over time, explains the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation. Chronic dry mouth symptoms should be discussed with a dentist to ensure affected patients receive appropriate treatment and care.
