Chronic dry mouth is an uncomfortable condition that occurs when your salivary glands aren’t able to create enough saliva to keep your mouth properly moisturized. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is a common symptom of old age and can also occur in tandem with certain types of treatment for cancer. It’s common for various types of medication to cause dry mouth, and in some rare cases, the salivary glands may have been surgically removed. Chronic dry mouth can also be caused by a variety of chronic conditions that directly affect the ability of the salivary glands to produce moisture.
Certain causes of dry mouth like dehydration and tobacco use are easy to remove with simple changes in lifestyle. But if chronic dry mouth is caused by other issues such as old age, a full cure becomes less likely and the best option is to simply try to mitigate the symptoms. The best way to reduce the symptoms of chronic dry mouth is to stay well hydrated, but sometimes this simply isn’t enough. With this comprehensive guide, familiarize yourself with all the different symptoms of dry mouth. There are often steps that you can take from home to help with the various issues associated with chronic dry mouth, but if your best efforts are unable to reduce the severity of the condition, it’s important to consult with a qualified physician right away.
1. Sticky, dry mouth
One of the most common signs of chronic dry mouth is dryness or stickiness felt throughout the various areas of the mouth. While the salivary glands generally keep the mouth moist and lubricated, if the action of the salivary glands is diminished in any way, you may start to feel your tongue sticking to the roof of your mouth or your teeth sticking to your cheeks.
If you are currently a tobacco user or ingest sugary drinks as part of your diet, eliminating these habits is sure to help with your chronic dry mouth to some degree. Also, make sure that the drinks you do ingest aren’t either too hot or too cold. The mouth becomes highly sensitive when your mouth is dry, so drinking beverages that are mild both in flavor and in temperature is a good way to start combatting your symptoms of chronic dry mouth.
2. Frequent thirst
When your mouth is dry, it’s understandable to experience high levels of thirst. When you feel thirsty as a result of chronic dry mouth, it’s important to resist the temptation of sugary or hot drinks and opt for water instead. While other drinks like warm, unsweetened teas can also be beneficial for dry mouth, cool, purified water is absolutely the best way to stay hydrated and combat the symptoms of chronic dry mouth. When drinking water to help hydrate your mouth, remember to avoid using ice cubes as exceedingly cold liquid can make your dry mouth worse instead of better. If your thirst is uncomfortable to the point of being painful, see your doctor right away.
3. Sores in the mouth
If the mouth remains dry for a long period of time, painful sores can start to develop on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. These sores will generally start to heal up as your mouth becomes hydrated, but if your problem with dry mouth becomes chronic, these painful bumps may start to multiply and become increasingly uncomfortable.
If the sores in your mouth don’t start getting better soon, sometimes over-the-counter saliva substitutes can help. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help your salivary glands kick back into action. But if your sores refuse to get better, it’s important to seek out medical assistance without delay.
4. Cracked lips
Cracked lips are a common symptom of chronic dry mouth that can sometimes be mitigated simply by using lip balm. But if your cracked lips persist even with the use of lip balm, this is usually a sign that this symptom is linked to underlying issues that won’t be fixed simply by moisturizing your lips. Using home treatment to reduce your chronic dry mouth will usually help with cracked lips to some degree. Remember that the best treatment for underperforming salivary glands is good hydration. But if none of these solutions help, or if your lips start to bleed, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
5. Dry feeling in throat
Dryness in the throat can lead to difficulty swallowing and is one of the more serious issues associated with chronic dry mouth. Your salivary glands don’t only keep your mouth wet and happy, they also help you swallow by coating your throat in slippery saliva. If your throat starts to dry up, it can become difficult to swallow and you could even choke on food. Keeping water on hand with meals is one way to help deal with this issue, but in many cases, a regimen prescribed by your doctor is the only way to get rid of the uncomfortable dryness in your throat.
6. Burning sensation
When your mouth and throat dry out, the protective membrane of saliva that keeps your mouth healthy disappears and this tender digestive tissue is exposed. This can lead to a sensation of burning felt in the mouth. Taking a sip of cool water often helps this symptom go away and staying properly hydrated is a must if your mouth starts to burn, but if these fixes don’t help, it may be time to seek professional assistance. A burning sensation in your mouth or throat is usually a sign that your chronic dry mouth has reached a relatively advanced state and should be attended to immediately.
7. Tingling sensation
While less uncomfortable than feeling like your mouth is burning, a tingling sensation in your mouth is just as annoying and can interfere with sleep and other activities. This sensation is usually caused by sensitive tissue losing its protective moisture but can also be a sign of nerve damage in the mouth. This symptom can be fought with any of common remedies for dry mouth listed in this guide, but a tingling sensation in the mouth can also be a sign that a more serious condition is afoot. If this condition persists, contact your doctor without delay.
8. Dry, red tongue
When your mouth is dry, not only does your tongue feel out of place, but it can also become dry and stick to your teeth and the roof of your mouth. While a healthy tongue is a mild color of pink, a dry tongue can become red and swollen. As with all symptoms of dry mouth, proper hydration is the key. But if your tongue becomes dry to the point of being painful, there may be something that your physician can do to help above and beyond the usual remedies. As with all other symptoms of dry mouth, your doctor is there to help if your tongue is uncomfortably dry.
