The result of inadequate production of saliva. Dry mouth is usually a temporary condition caused by fear, infection of a salivary gland, or the action of anticholinergic drugs. Rarely, permanent dry mouth may occur as part of Sjögren’s syndrome or from radiotherapy to treat mouth cancer. Dryness usually causes difficulty in swallowing and speaking, interference with taste, and tooth decay (see caries, dental). It may be relieved by spraying the inside of the mouth with artificial saliva.
Mouth, dry |
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