Dry mouth does not always reflect how much saliva is being produced. When saliva production is too low, you may notice symptoms such as
- trouble speaking or swallowing dry foods
- sensitivity to acidic or spicy foods
- burning sensation in the mouth
The most common cause of dry mouth is the use of certain medications that can impair saliva secretion, including anti-depressants, anti-motility drugs (used for spastic colon or irritable bladder), and diuretics. Other causes include Sjögren’s disease, certain medical conditions, and radiation therapy to the head or neck, all of which can damage the salivary glands, reduce saliva production and increase the risk of dental decay.
Dry mouth can often be assessed by an oral examination and measured with simple sialometry tests over a 5 to 15 minute period during a doctor’s visit. In some cases, salivary gland function is evaluated with a nuclear medicine test called parotid scintigraphy.
Dry mouth symptoms can be managed by a variety of options including habitual changes, such as frequent small sips of water or chewing sugarless gum, daily dental hygiene and frequent dental care (see Preventing Dental Decay) and medications. For more information on the treatment of dry mouth, see Management of Dry Mouth.
