Dry mouth is medical condition characterized by a significant decrease in the quality or quantity of saliva produced by the oral salivary glands. This condition, also called xerostomia, may occur as a result of environmental factors, medication usage or disease. People who are bothered by persistent symptoms of dry mouth should seek care from a medical professional.
Thick Saliva
Unusually thick, sticky saliva is one of the most common symptoms associated with dry mouth. Thick, stringy saliva can contribute to a sensation of dryness or discomfort in a person's mouth, MayoClinic.com reports.
Burning or Dry Feeling in Mouth or Throat
Inadequate levels of saliva in the mouth can cause people to experience a burning or dry sensation within the mouth or throat. These sensations can be uncomfortable and may accompany a decreased appetite, sore throat or frequent cough.
Increased Thirst or Bad Breath
Oral dryness can stimulate a person's thirst, causing her to drink more fluid than usual. People who experience persistent dry mouth can also develop bad or foul-smelling breath, The Merck Manual of Health and Aging explains. Odorous breath can be embarrassing and may arise even if a person maintains good oral hygiene.
Difficulty Tasting, Swallowing or Speaking
Healthy levels of saliva in the mouth help people chew, swallow and digest food properly. People with dry mouth do not produce enough saliva, which can lead to difficulty tasting or swallowing ingested food products, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Saliva also lubricates the tongue, enabling people speak clearly. Thick, stringy saliva due to dry mouth can cause a person's tongue to stick inside the mouth, leading to difficulty speaking normally.
Mouth Sores or Infection
Saliva also helps protect the mouth against infection. People with dry mouth are more likely to develop oral infections, such as thrush, a yeast infection, MayoClinic.com explains. Dry mouth can also cause painful mouth sores to appear across the tongue or inside the cheeks.
Dry Tongue or Lips
People with dry mouth can develop a rough, dry tongue accompanied by cracked lips as symptoms of this condition, NIDCR reports. These uncomfortable effects of dry mouth may cause the lips or tongue to bleed or split open.
Dental Problems
Without adequate levels of saliva, the mouth can become overly acidic as a result of byproducts produced by plaque on the teeth, the American Dental Association explains. High acid levels in the mouth can contribute to extensive tooth decay, which can increase a person's risk of developing gum disease or cavities. Affected people can experience toothaches or may notice that their gums bleed easily while brushing the teeth. These symptoms of dry mouth should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
