First, you need to understand the causes and symptoms of dry mouth. Saliva is a natural part of the digestive system that helps break down foods and rinses the mouth of bacteria. Dry mouth (Xerostomia) is characterized by lack of saliva. This lack of saliva can cause difficulty tasting, chewing, swallowing and even speaking. Without saliva, or without an appropriate amount, bacteria can stick to the teeth and create tooth decay, which can lead to infections in the mouth and even tooth loss.
But dry mouth isn’t a disease in itself; dry mouth is a symptom of other conditions. It can be caused by medication use, smoking, radiation treatment, aging, and even diseases such as diabetes or Parkinson’s. The most common symptoms of dry mouth include feeling thirsty, having a dry, sticky mouth, chapped lips, burning/tingling in your mouth and tongue, and bad breath.
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