An excessively dry mouth can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms such as a burning sensation, sore throat and trouble eating and swallowing. While everyone experiences this problem occasionally due to thirst or emotional stress, experiencing dry mouth chronically and excessively could lead to a number of problems. Certain symptoms might indicate your dry mouth has become more problematic, such as cracks in the corner of the mouth, hoarseness, sore throat, red and raw tongue, mouth sores and a burning sensation.
Importance of Seeing Your Doctor
If you suffer from excessively dry mouth, make sure to see your doctor to confirm the cause. Dry mouth could indicate potentially serious conditions like nerve damage, diabetes, HIV or the autoimmune disorder Sjogren's syndrome, where your immune system wrongly attacks your salivary glands. Many medications also can contribute to dry mouth---over 400 notes the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, or NIDCR. If possible, your doctor can reduce dosages or switch medications. Do not stop or reduce medications on your own.
Complications of Dry Mouth
Saliva serves many important purposes and lack of it can cause a number of problems. The American Dental Association explains that saliva helps neutralize acids, lubricate the mouth and wash away food. Without enough saliva, you increase your risk for tooth decay. It also helps control fungus and bacteria in the mouth, which can increase your risk of infection. Lack of saliva also makes it difficult to eat, interfering with nutrition.
Medicinal Options
If your problem stems from an issue with your salivary glands, such as damage from radiation therapy, medications can improve gland functioning. Mayoclinic.com notes two medications used for this purpose: pilocarpine or cevimeline. Over-the-counter saliva substitutes also can help.
Self-Care
The ADA notes that chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free hard candies can stimulate saliva production. Drink fluids regularly throughout the day to keep the mouth moist---your best choices include water and sugar-free drinks--or drinks artificially sweetened with non-sugar substances. Drinking with your food can make it easier to eat. The NIDCR recommends limiting salty and spicy foods as these can worsen the discomfort associated with this condition. Do not smoke or drink alcohol---both dry out the mouth. Using a humidifier at night may help.
Oral Hygiene Tips
Because this condition increases your risk for dental problems, you must pay special attention to your oral hygiene. Talk to your dentist about prescription-strength fluoride gel to combat tooth decay. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Use a mouthwash but avoid ones that contain alcohol as this can worsen dry mouth. Brush immediately after eating sweet or sticky foods.
Alternative Medicine
Studies on using acupuncture for dry mouth have shown it demonstrated effectiveness in treating this condition, says Mayoclinic.com. The site explains that exactly why this is remains unclear. Acupuncturists also have a broad knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and might offer helpful advice on possible herbal therapies as well as dietary suggestions.
