Chronic dry mouth is not a lone wolf. It is a condition that typically appears with a pack of related conditions. These conditions add to the discomforts associated with dry mouth, and can negatively impact oral and general health.

Hyposalivation: often, but not always present

Many laymen use the terms “dry mouth,” “xerostomia,” and “hyposalivation” interchangeably. Xerostomia is the medical term for dry mouth, and so these two terms can be accurately used as synonyms. Both refer to the subjective feeling of dryness in the oral cavity.

Hyposalivation is a different, but related condition. The word means inadequate flow of the saliva fluid. This is a less subjective, more quantifiable condition that is often assumed to be the cause of dry mouth. But, not all patients who report dry mouth symptoms actually have insufficient salivary flow. When hyposalivation and dry mouth appear together, the patient will typically experience a more severe symptom set, as described below.

Oral symptoms

The impact on oral health from dry mouth and hyposalivation has been widely documented. Saliva is a powerfully protective fluid that wards off tooth decay and infections. Patients who do not produce enough saliva are at increased risk of dental carries, accumulation of plaque, mouth sores, and mouth infections.

Further, patients may experience a burning or sore feeling in the mouth and tongue, along with changes in taste perception. The individual may become generally less sensitive to taste, and salty and acidic foods may begin to irritate the mouth. A decline in sensitivity to smell can also occur. When the individual does not have enough saliva to moisten food thoroughly, chewing will become more difficult and less enjoyable. Speech can even be impacted, because the tongue feels dry and sticky.

If the hyposalivation is related to an infection, blockage, or tumor in the salivary glands, then external swelling may also be present. The major salivary glands are located along the jawline. The parotid gland is closest to the ear, the submandibular gland is midway to the chin, and the sublingual gland is closest to the chin. These major glands are supported by many smaller glands located throughout the mouth and throat. 

Dryness of eyes, nose, and throat

Dryness of the eyes, nose, and throat may also appear with dry mouth. Nasal dryness often manifests as recurrent nose bleeds, while dry eyes burn or feel gritty. Contact lenses become uncomfortable, vision may blur, and eyes may quickly tire from reading. A dry throat will feel hoarse and scratchy.

Dry eyes and dry mouth together could indicate Sjorgren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder than can affect various organs within the body.

Fatigue and anxiety

For many reasons, dry mouth can be associated with fatigue and anxiety. These symptoms could be related to an underlying condition that is causing the dry mouth (such as Sjorgren’s Syndrome). Or, they could be caused by the ways in which dry mouth affects one’s quality of life. A decline in the ability to chew, taste, smell, and see takes away many sources of personal entertainment and enjoyment. Patients also complain of sleeping problems. The chronically dry mouth repeatedly awakens the patient at night, leading to fatigue and other health problems associated with insufficient sleep.