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My Tongue Is Very Dry, What Is The Problem?

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Matthew Crist Profile
Matthew Crist answered
There are many reasons for having a dry tongue. Sometimes it is not even a problem and could be as simple as you being dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water would solve that. There are, however, some more serious reasons for having a very dry tongue and mouth. These include side effects from drugs, having a cold (especially with a stuffy nose) and anxiety. Another cause is physical trauma to the salivary glands, ducts and nerves.

People with a dry tongue or mouth are often referred to as cotton mouth, but the correct medical term is Xerostomia. Xerostomia can occur for a number of reasons. It is common in smokers and can cause difficulty in eating and speech. Halitosis is a side effect of Xerostomia and it can also have a bearing on the number of cavities a person has. This is because the saliva is not present and is not acting as a natural mineral for the enamel on the teeth. Other causes of Xerostomia include heavy methamphetamine use and chewing without food in the mouth. Elderly people will suffer from Xerostomia on a regular basis. This is mainly due to the side effects of medicines they may be taking. There is no specific treatment for Xerostomia, although there are individual remedies for most of the causes of the complaint.

It is advised that people suffering from a dry mouth should avoid the use of certain medicines such as antihistamines and decongestants. They should also monitor their oral hygiene closely. Drinking fluids without sugar frequently or chewing on sugar-free gum can also be helpful. If people are unsure what is causing their dry mouth or tongue then a visit to a doctor to determine the cause, and thereafter the treatment, may be the best course of action.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Over the past couple weeks or so my mouth and tongue become extremely dry when I am sleeping. I thought it must be that I am mouth breathing, but I don't think that is the case. Often my tongue feels swollen because it is so dry. I have water by my bed and drink it throughout the night, but it doesn't seem to help. I tried a mouth moistening tablet and hate the taste, so I threw them away. Any idea what is causing the dryness and how I can correct it?

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Aisha Profile
Aisha answered
There can be a number of causes for dry tongue and mouth. It could simply be because of dehydration. So drink a lot of water. Or it could also be caused by a disease called Xerostomia. In this disease the mouth does not make any saliva or there is shortage of saliva. This disease can be caused by aging, some prescription or OTC drugs, surgery, Smoking, tobacco, caffeine. It would be best to consult a doctor in order to find out the exact cause.
ray of light Profile
ray of light answered
The dry tongue is the symptom of more than 100 conditions. This can be due to breathing from mouth, stuffy nose, fear, dehydration, excessive urination, diabetes, anxiety, vitamin deficiency, mumps and side effects of many drugs. It will be better to visit a doctor for differential diagnosis and treatment.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
My tounge gets very dry on and off, I don't have diabetes but I take blood pressure tablets very low dose, well under control.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I have a dried tongue to and I know what your going through, I don't smoke or any bad things.
I have also got taunsilitous. My tongue is dry and ruff. Just see a doctor about it, they will help you.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Ooohh mann. Somebody's got a case of the cotton mouth. Ha kidding. I don't know if you're a smoker, but like the user above me said maybe you're just dehydrated.

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