Patients with dry mouth have varying degrees of discomfort.
Some people feel a dry or burning sensation in their mouth.
A dry mouth may affect their ability to chew, taste, swallow, and speak. Changes in saliva also can affect oral and dental health. Severe cases of dry mouth can result in cracking of the lips, or at the corners of the mouth, changes in the surface of the tongue, rampant tooth decay, ulceration of the mouth's lining, and infection. Although there is no single way to treat dry mouth, there are a number of steps you can follow to keep teeth in good health and relieve the sense of dryness. These suggestions will not correct the underlying cause of xerostomia, but may help you feel more comfortable.