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What Causes Dry Mouth?

Posted on Fri, 24 Jun 2016

Question: Good Morning Doctor. I am experiencing a problem with my mouth. It" feels" extremely dry even though I am producing plenty of saliva. At night or in the morning I wake up and it feels like I have a mouthful of ground/broken glass in it. A metallic aftertaste is constantly present. My tongue feels like I burned it. My ability to taste has been compromised as well. These symptoms began appearing about 3 weeks ago.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like Xerostomia or Dry mouth..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I am so sorry to hear about your problem and will try my level best to resolve it to the best of my knowledge and experience..

As per the explanation of symptoms the condition is pointing towards dry mouth or Xerostomia that occurs due to reduced saliva flow and although you do not observe reduced flow of saliva but there must be definitely reduce watery content of saliva leading to the following symptoms...

Altered taste and burning sensation in mouth are all due to dry mouth only..

I would suggest you to please answer the following questions so that I can guide you better..

1. Do you have any medical problem or are you on any medication?
2. Do you experience increased thirst, urination or hunger?
3. Do you have any white coating on tongue?
4. How much water do you drink daily?
5. Do you have any mouth breathing habit?
6. Is there any smoking habit present?
7. Do you experience any dryness or irritation in eyes along with these symptoms?
8. Have you ever had any infection in salivary glands?

Please revert back with answers..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (5 hours later)

In response to your questions
1) Hormonal therapy ie climara estrogen patch 2 yrs. Estrace estrogen cream 2 months
2) no increase in thirst , urination or hunger
3) no coating on tongue
4) drink at least 8 -16 oz of water daily
5)no mouht breathing habit
6)non smoker
7)no dryness or irritation in eyes
8) no history of infection of salivary glands

another symptom is 'sensitivity' 'tenderness" "stiffness" in lower gums/lips
I had my 6 month dental a couple of months ago. Gums and teeth healthy.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to hormonal imbalance

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome back..

If no other factors seem to be responsible for the dryness in mouth then hormonal imbalances/changes in body can be a cause..

Sensitivity and tenderness of the lower lip seems to be due to dry mouth only..

You need a proper clinical evaluation and investigations like hormonal assay, oral swab culture, MRI of salivary glands etc to get the cause ruled out and get treated accordingly..

As of now you can take supportive treatment to relieve the symptoms like:
-Gargle with specialized mouthwash formulated for dry mouth patients like Biotene.
-Chew sugarfree chewing gums.
-Drink plenty of water
-You can also instill artificial saliva drops
-Avoid using regular mouthwash
-You can also suck ice to reduce inflammation and sensitivity

Any further queries are welcome

Regards..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (5 hours later)

Do you suggest that I make an appointment with my Dentist, General Practioner or with my Gynocologist to address these smptoms? Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consult your Gynaecologist..

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome back..

My suggestion would be to consult your Gynaecologist and get evaluated and she can do a proper evaluation and also advise your hormonal profile done to rule out the cause and treat accordingly..

Regards..

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar