Studying and treating severe dry mouth is complicated by the subjective nature of the symptoms. Those who suffer from dry mouth symptoms know how it feels and when it occurs. But doctors and clinicians do not have an objective standard to determine the presence of this condition.

Decreased salivary flow is the most logical reason why someone would experience dry mouth. However, studies indicate that not all patients complaining of dry mouth have decreased salivary flow. Therefore, physicians generally diagnose dry mouth with a series of subjective questions. This is a primary reason why there isn’t more hard data on the condition of dry mouth; it is problematic to quantify, compare, and analyze sets of patient responses to subjective questions.

Questions used by doctors to diagnose dry mouth vary widely. Mahvash Navazesh, D.M.D. (2003), advises these queries, to determine if further clinical tests are necessary:

• “Does the amount of saliva in your mouth seem to be too little, too much or you do not notice it?
• Do you have any difficulties swallowing?
• Does your mouth feel dry when eating a meal?
• Do you sip liquids to aid in swallowing dry food?” (para. 2)

Clinical studies have confirmed the presence of dry mouth with more direct questions, such as:

Table source: Sreebney and Vissink (2010)

From the patient’s perspective

If your mouth is uncomfortably dry, occasionally or frequently, you probably don’t need any further evidence to confirm what you feel. You can assess the severity of your symptom set, however, by asking these questions:

• Are your lips dry?
• Is your tongue rough and dry?
• Do you have trouble chewing and swallowing?
• Has your sense of taste changed?
• Is your throat dry and/or burning?

Once you run through these self-checks, you are apt to be focused on finding a solution. A consultation with your doctor is the appropriate first step. Your doctor may start by reviewing the medications you take. Depending on other symptoms you have, your doctor may also test you for certain disorders. Be prepared, however, to learn that there is no clear explanation for your dry mouth symptoms.

In that case, your doctor may offer you some coping strategies. Many of these are common sense for good health: stay hydrated, avoid smoking, limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, and eat a well-balance diet. Sugar-free gum and a good, moisturizing mouth rinse may alleviate dry mouth discomfort as well.

References

Navazesh, M. (2003) How can oral health care providers determine if patients have dry mouth? J Am Den Assoc, 134(5), 613-618. Retrieved from http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/134/5/613

Sreebny, L.M. & Vissink, A. (2010). Dry mouth. The malevolent symptom: A clinical guide. Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell.