A dry mouth may arise as the outcome of a disease such as sarcoidosis. A negative Schirmer test rules out this consideration. Many people have a sense of dryness because of fear or anxiety and this is a major concern when this symptom becomes a socially isolating problem. Obviously the best simple treatment is to drink water frequently, but avoiding tannin in tea and similar drinks is necessary. Sucking a sour candy or lemon juice helps stimulate salivary flow. Deliberate efforts to increase the symptom may reduce its annoyance at other times. Thus vigorous exercise, breathing through the mouth and not drinking could stress the salivary glands and make them more efficient. Drugs that increase salivation, such as mercury products, are too toxic to use.