Dry MouthXerostomia, or dry mouth, is a state where the mouth lacks saliva, giving an uncomfortable feeling of dryness. If not treated, xerostomia can lead to problems with eating, talking and initiate halitosis (bad breath). It can also aggravate periodontal disease and trigger an increase of the number of cavities.

Dry mouth has many causes, and it’s sometimes possible to treat it or at least make it more comfortable. When you know the symptoms of xerostomia, you can consult your doctor or your dentist in order to discuss whether or not you have dry mouth and what you can do about it.

Here are the main symptoms of xerostomia:

  • A sticky and dry feeling in your mouth.
  • Halitosis (bad breath).
  • Being thirsty all the time.
  • Minor injuries in your mouth, whether they are located on your gums, on your cheeks, or outside on your lips.
  • Feeling of dryness and constant pain in the throat area.
  • Burning or tingling feeling in your mouth or on your tongue.
  • Your tongue might become dry and have a reddish colour.
  • It becomes harder to talk, to taste, to chew and to swallow foods.
  • Dry nose and dry throat.

The information above should be used as a reference only. Any medical decision should not be taken before consulting a health care professional.

The masculine gender may have been more used in the article, but without prejudice, to make reading easier.

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