Do I Have Dry Mouth?

Do you have a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth?

Do you often feel thirsty?

Do you have saliva that seems thick and stringy?

Do you have bad breath?

Do you have difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing?

Do you have dry or sore throat and hoarseness?

Do you have dry or grooved tongue?

Do you have sores in your mouth or split skin at the corners of the mouth (cracked lips)?

Do you have a burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue?

Do you have a changed sense of taste?

Do you have problem wearing dentures?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a dry mouth. A dry mouth is a medical condition also known as xerostomia. In people with dry mouth, the salivary glands do not produce the right amount of saliva to keep the mouth wet. Saliva is important for digesting food and preventing mouth infections and tooth decay. A dry mouth can be just a nuisance, but it can sometimes affect the health of your teeth and gums, your appetite and your overall health. A dry mouth is often a consequence of side effects of certain medications, diseases or medical treatments.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a dry mouth. A dry mouth is a condition that refers to a feeling of having not enough saliva in your mouth. It is normal to have a dry mouth occasionally, for example when you are nervous or stressed. But, if this condition persists for a long time, it could be a sign of an underlying problem. A dry mouth is often the result of dehydration caused by poor fluid intake. To determine the cause of dry mouth, your doctor will review your medical history, order blood tests and tests that measure how much saliva you produce.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a dry mouth. A dry mouth or xerostomia is a condition caused by decreased amount of saliva in your mouth due to improper function of your salivary glands. A dry mouth can be a sign of a serious health problem such as diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome. It is common in older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of dry mouth. Your doctor may change the medications you are taking, recommend products to moisturize your mouth or prescribe medications that stimulate saliva production.