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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you're not producing enough saliva, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

  • Dryness in your mouth
  • Saliva that seems thick and stringy
  • Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth
  • Cracked lips
  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty speaking and swallowing
  • Sore throat
  • An altered sense of taste
  • A fungal infection in your mouth
  • Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease

In women, dry mouth may result in lipstick adhering to the teeth.

When to see a doctor
If you've noticed persistent dry mouth signs and symptoms, make an appointment with your family doctor or your dentist.

Causes Definition

  • See Also

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References
  1. Dry mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/DryMouth/DryMouth.htm. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
  2. Xerostomia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec08/ch094/ch094f.html?qt=Xerostomia&alt=sh. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
  3. Negrin RS, et al. Oral toxicity associated with chemotherapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 13, 2010
  4. Glore RJ, et al. A patient with dry mouth. Clinical Otolaryngology. 2009;34:358.
  5. Napenas JJ, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of xerostomia (dry mouth). Odontology. 2009;97:76.
  6. Blom M, et al. Long-term follow-up of patients treated with acupuncture for xerostomia and the influence of additional treatment. Oral Diseases. 2000;6:15.
  7. Acupuncture in treating dry mouth caused by radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer. National Institutes of Health. http://clinicaltrialsfeeds.org/clinical-trials/show/NCT01141231. Accessed Dec. 21, 2010.
HA00034 April 7, 2011

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