Tele Oral Medicine

Refer a Patient
Refer a Patient

Oral Dryness

Oral dryness involves a lack of salivary flow in the mouth. Objective oral dryness is when clinical evidence of dryness can be found. Subjective oral dryness is the sensation of oral dryness without any evidence of decreased salivary flow.
Saliva prevents dental decay, improves taste buds, and makes chewing and swallowing easier. Reduced saliva and dry mouth can range from being a mild inconvenience to having a significant influence on your overall health, the health of your teeth and gums, and appetite.

Signs and Symptoms:

Symptoms of dry mouth include:

  • Thick, ropey and sticky saliva.
  • Irritation of the oral soft tissues.
  • Fungal infections.
  • A burning sensation or altered taste and causing difficulty in biting, speaking, swallowing, or even wearing dentures.
  • Bad breath

Causes:

Oral dryness occurs when the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. The glands may not function properly as a result of:

  • Medications and treatments.
  • Age: As you grow older, the likelihood of dry mouth may increase
  • Medical illnesses including diabetes, stroke, fungal infections in the mouth, Alzheimer’s disease, or autoimmune diseases.
  • Snoring and breathing with the mouth open.
  • Consuming excessive alcohol and smoking.

Treatment:

The source of the problem determines the treatment for dry mouth. Dry mouth treatment focuses on:

  • Treatment of medical issues that can cause dry mouth.
  • Preventing tooth decay.
  • Increasing the flow of saliva.

When to see a doctor?

Make an appointment with a doctor if you’ve experienced persistent dry mouth.


To consult an Oral Medicine Specialist, ask your doctor or dentist to refer you to TeleOralMedicine.  

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