Diseases

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

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Xerostomia is defined as dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow. Xerostomia is not a disease, but it may be a symptom of various medical conditions, a side effect of a radiation to the head and neck, or a side effect of a wide variety of medications.

SYMPTOMS

A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth.
Frequent thirst.
Sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth; cracked lips.
A dry feeling in the throat.
A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue.
A dry, red, raw tongue.

CAUSES

Dry mouth can occur when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Some common causes include nervousness, stress, certain medications, aging, cancer therapy (radiation/chemotherapy), and autoimmune disorders like sjorgren's syndrome, smoking and methamphetamine use.