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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, stringy
- Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth
- Cracked lips
- Bad breath
- Difficulty speaking, 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.
- Dry mouth. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/DryMouth/DryMouth.htm. Accessed March 2, 2009.
- Xerostomia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch089/ch089h.html?qt=dry%20mouth&alt=sh. Accessed March 2, 2009.
- Guggenheimer J, et al. Xerostomia: Etiology, recognition and treatment. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2003;134:61.
- Turner MD, et al. Dry mouth and its effects on the oral health of elderly people. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2007;138(suppl):15S.
- Eveson JW. Xerostomia. Periodontology 2000. 2008;48:85.
- Metz JM, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/123562883-3/811434297/1709/40.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06694-8..50039-7--cesec15_994. Accessed March 2, 2009.
- Carr AB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. March 4, 2009.
