Signs of dry mouth

Dry mouth happens when the body is not able to make enough saliva. It is often the result of dehydration and may cause speech, chewing, or swallowing problems.

These are common signs of dry mouth:

• Cracked or dry lips
• Dryness and stickiness in the mouth
• Mouth pain, discomfort or burning sensations
• Increased and frequent thirst
• Altered or decreased sense of taste
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Oral burning or soreness
• Loss of appetite or unwillingness to eat
• Bad breath

Pay special attention to these symptoms when the feeling of dry mouth intensifies:

• Pain while chewing or swallowing
• Signs of mouth infections such as thrush
• Tender, discolored or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Dark colored urine or decreased urine output
• Significant weight loss
• Increased difficulty speaking
• Dizziness, confusion or disorientation
• Breathing difficulties, such as struggling to get air through the throat or gasping while breathing

Do not hesitate to reach out to a medical professional if you are at all concerned. Any significant change in symptoms, or the sudden onset of new symptoms, should be evaluated as soon as possible by a healthcare professional.