Dryness on the roof of your mouth is a common condition that can result from many different causes, some of which are serious and others that are insignificant. You may develop short-term dryness -- as opposed to chronic dryness -- on the roof of your mouth, and this dryness can spread to other parts of the mouth.
Identification
If the roof of your mouth is dry, you may notice food getting stuck because your mouth lacks saliva to lubricate the tissues. It's possible you will have difficulty talking or swallowing, and it may inhibit your ability to taste, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Complications
Chronic dryness on the roof of your mouth can lead to a mouth infection, dental cavities -- because saliva is the mouth's self-cleaning agent -- or gum disease. Complications can also arise when symptoms make it difficult to go through your daily routine.
Possible Causes
Dehydration can cause temporary dryness on the roof of the mouth. Smoking also dries out the mouth and can cause dryness on the roof. You may develop dryness on the roof of the mouth because of allergies, medications, chemotherapy treatments -- which can influence how the glands produce saliva -- and nerve damage, according to the Mayo Clinic and the University of Michigan Health System. Elderly individuals are more likely to suffer from a dry mouth because they are more likely to be taking medications that might be to blame, according to the Mayo Clinic
Treatment
In many cases, drinking water slowly or brushing your teeth can rehydrate the mouth and stimulate saliva glands. Stop smoking if you currently do and chew sugarless gum regularly. Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth when possible, and install a humidifier at night if you experience dryness on the roof of your mouth at night. Medicinal treatments may be available over-the-counter or by a doctor's prescription.
Considerations
If you are unable to identify the cause of dryness on the roof of your mouth, or if you are experiencing other symptoms that seem unrelated or make it difficult to identify a single cause, consult a doctor. You could be suffering from several problems, only one of which is resulting in a dry roof of the mouth.
