ENT (Otolaryngology) and Audiology
Main Line Health otolaryngology and audiology experts treat and manage conditions affecting your ears, nose and throat at locations in the Philadelphia area.
Xerostomia – Dry Mouth
What is dry mouth or xerostomia?
Most people experience the occasional dry mouth, or xerostomia, a temporary condition brought on by taking certain medications or simply not drinking enough water. The problem usually resolves when we stop the medicine or hydrate our bodies. In some cases, however, dry mouth becomes chronic and may be associated with a more serious condition. An ongoing lack of saliva, which cleanses our mouths of bacteria and helps us taste and digest food, can also lead to problems such as tooth decay and infection in the mouth.
Symptoms of dry mouth
A feeling of dryness in your mouth may not be the only symptom of dry mouth. You might also experience:
- Burning sensation in your mouth
- Difficulty tasking, swallowing, speaking
- Dry, cracked lips
- Dry, rough tongue
- Sores in your mouth
Dry mouth usually goes away by itself, but depending on the cause you may need to see a doctor. In some cases, dry mouth is a symptom of disease such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, or Sjögren’s syndrome, an immune disorder that causes the body to attack the glands that produce moisture such as tears and saliva.
Treatments
Preventing and treating dry mouth may involve changing certain lifestyle factors. For example, smoking, drinking alcohol and drinking caffeine are behaviors that contribute to dry mouth. If you're on long-term medications that produce this side effect, you may want to talk with your doctor about switching to a different medication. If there is something genuinely wrong with your salivary glands, your treatment may include medication that helps you produce more saliva. See a doctor if your dry mouth symptoms are concerning you.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
The Main Line Health Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team helps you achieve excellent oral health. Our goal is to help you improve how your jaw, mouth and teeth work and appear, especially if they have been affected by a health condition or injury.
Oral Care
Main Line Health dentists and oral surgeons can help you keep a healthy smile for a lifetime by visiting one of our locations throughout the Philadelphia area.