Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, results from an inadequate saliva flow, meaning there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Dry mouth is not a disease, but a symptom of a medical disorder or can be a result of certain medications.

Everyone will get a dry mouth once in a while especially if they are nervous, stressed or upset. If you have a dry mouth all the time it can be uncomfortable and lead to other oral health problems. Saliva not only keeps the mouth moist, but helps aid in food digestion, protects the teeth from decay, prevents infection by controlling the bacteria in the mouth, and makes it possible to effectively chew and swallow.

Symptoms of a dry mouth

There are several symptoms you may experience if you have a dry mouth or problem with saliva production, these include:

• A sticky, dry feeling in your mouth
• Cracked lips
• Trouble swallowing
• A dry feeling in your throat
• A burning sensation in your tongue
• Mouth sores
• Frequent bad breath
• Difficulty chewing or speaking.
• Reduced ability to taste things