Why is tongue dry

Your dentist or primary care physician can help evaluate your symptoms and decide if the dry tongue you are experiencing is just part of a much bigger disease process. When you are ready to stop ignoring and start treating dry tongue, you will find there are a number of products that can provide immediate and long-term relief.

The important thing is to decide that you deserve better than ignoring your own health and to take steps to help yourself. CariFree elevated pH products are scientifically proven to prevent cavities and balance your oral bacteria. There are many causes and remedies for dry mouth symptoms, explore our best resources on all things dry mouth here. Learn More. Username or Email Address. Sign Up for an Account.

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Home Mouth and teeth. Dry mouth. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Salivary glands Symptoms of dry mouth Dry mouth and tooth decay Causes of dry mouth Diagnosis of dry mouth Treatment of dry mouth Tips for living with dry mouth Where to get help.

Salivary glands The salivary glands are located around the mouth and throat. Submandibular - located beneath the tongue on both sides of the jaw mandible. Sublingual - located in the floor of the mouth. Minor salivary glands - found in various locations around the mouth, including the inner cheeks and throat. Protective role of saliva A dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and other oral diseases. Dry mouth and tooth decay Poor oral hygiene not brushing and flossing your teeth every day and a sugary diet tend to cause tooth decay on the biting surfaces and in between teeth.

Causes of dry mouth Many different conditions, some short term and others long term, can disrupt the production of saliva. These include antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, sedatives, decongestants, analgesics pain relief , antidepressants and illegal drugs such as cocaine.

Infection - a bacterial or viral infection of the salivary glands such as mumps can cause inflammation and restrict saliva production. Sjogren's syndrome - is a common autoimmune disease that mainly affects the eyes and salivary glands, but can also affect the sweat glands.

Salivary duct blockages - for example, tiny stones made from saliva minerals may lodge in the salivary ducts and restrict saliva flow. Certain medical conditions - including AIDS , amyloidosis , cerebral palsy , diabetes , Parkinson's disease , primary biliary cirrhosis and lupus. Nerve problems - the function of the salivary glands is controlled by facial nerves.

Injury, illness or surgical damage to these nerves, for example, may reduce saliva production. Some cancer treatments - such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy if directed at the head or neck , may temporarily reduce the ability of salivary glands to make saliva.

Other causes - including mostly breathing through the mouth, for example, in the case of a persistently stuffy nose or blocked sinuses, or hormone changes from pregnancy or menopause. Dehydration - not drinking enough fluid can cause thick saliva and a dry mouth.

Other causes of dehydration include medical conditions such as blood loss, chronic diarrhoea or kidney failure. It also works as a major defense mechanism to help your body maintain good dental health, protecting your mouth against gum disease and tooth decay.

It can also lead to complications like tooth decay. Many things can cause dry mouth. It often results from dehydration. Some conditions, such as diabetes, can also affect your saliva production and lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth is usually a temporary and treatable condition.

In most cases, you can prevent and relieve symptoms of dry mouth at home by doing one or more of the following:. Good oral care can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can result from dry mouth. If your dry mouth is caused by an underlying health condition, you may require additional treatment. Ask your doctor for more information about your specific condition, treatment options, and long-term outlook.

They may give you a different amount to take or change your medication to relieve symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe artificial saliva or medications to increase saliva production in your mouth.

Therapies to repair or regenerate salivary glands may be available in the future to treat dry mouth, but a research review indicated that research and further advancements are still needed.

Talk with your doctor or dentist if you notice ongoing signs of dry mouth. These include:. If you think that medications are causing your dry mouth, or if you notice other symptoms of an underlying condition, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can order blood tests and measure the amount of saliva you produce to help find out the cause of your dry mouth and suggest treatment options.

You can often take care of dry mouth at home. If symptoms continue, though, talk to your doctor. They can check for any underlying conditions or change medications that might be causing your symptoms.

If you have dry mouth, make sure to take good care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. This can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease caused by dry mouth. There are many reasons you may find yourself waking up with dry mouth, such as medications.