Symptoms may include:-

Saliva that feels thick or stingy, rough, dry tongue, bad breath, mouth ulcers, dry and cracked lips, susceptibility to oral thrush infections, high rate of tooth decay, a prickly burning sensation in the mouth and so on. Depending on the cause, dry mouth syndrome may be associated with symptoms outside the mouth including: Dry and itchy eyes, dry nose or throat, frequent coughing, reduced sense of smell, constipation, joint pains or stiffness, feeling unwell.

Causes:-

Many different conditions, some short term and others long term, can disrupt the production of saliva. These conditions may include:-

Drugs and medications:-

About 600 drugs and medications. These include antithistamines, high blood pressure medications, sedatives, decongestants, analgesics, antidepressants and illegal drugs such as cocaine.

Dehydration:-

Drinking too little fluid can cause thick saliva and a dry mouth. Other causes of dehydration include medical conditions such as blood loss, diarrhea or kidney failure.

Certain diseases:-

It include AIDS, amyloidosis, cerebral palsy, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and lupus.

Treatment depends on the cause but may include:-

Changes in medicines:- If you are taking a medicine that cause dry mouth as a side effect, the doctor may be able to alter the dose or prescribe an alternative medicine.

How to cure:- Be guided by your doctor and dentist, but general self care suggestions include:-

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily.
• Use fluoride-containing products.
• Treat dry lips with Vaseline or some other type of greasy balm, such as lanolin. An air humidifier used in your bedroom may help.
• Ask your dentist for advice on toothpaste suitable for dry mouth syndrome.

Tips for controlling dry mouth syndrome:-

• Chew food thoroughly before swallowing.
• Include watery food in your diet.
• Avoid crunch foods that could injure the mouth, such as crackers or potato crips.
• Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as soft drinks, citrus fruits to protect your tooth enamel.
• Restrict sugary foods and drinks or avoid them altogether.
• Avoid mint and mint mouthwashes as these products tend to aggravate dry mouth tissue and increase the risk of tooth decay.
• Avoid any substance that increases mouth dryness. These include cigarettes, alcohol, caffeinated drinks and spicy foods.
• Sip plain tap water often. Carry a bottle.