Dryness on the Roof of My Mouth
A dry roof of the mouth is more than an inconvenience. It can cause major discomfort and even prevent you from completing your regular daily tasks. A dry mouth -- including a dry roof of the mouth -- can also lead to more serious complications.
A dry roof of the mouth is more than an inconvenience. It can cause major discomfort and even prevent you from completing your regular daily tasks. A dry mouth -- including a dry roof of the mouth -- can also lead to more serious complications. For that reason, it's important to speak with your doctor if you have any ongoing dry mouth problems. Your doctor can provide you with proper treatment and medications to correct the problem and prevent it from recurring.
Causes
The dryness on the roof of your mouth can be caused by a variety of factors. Some triggers include relatively mild problems such as dehydration or side effects of medications, and can be treated easily. Common medications that cause dry mouth include diuretics, antihistamines and decongestants, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
More serious causes of dry mouth include diabetes, anemia, salivary gland or nerve damage, and Sjorgen's Syndrome, notes MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause of your dry mouth. For example, minor dehydration can be treated by consuming more water. If it's a side effect of non-prescribed medication, the problem should end after you stop taking the medication. If a prescription medication is causing the problem, your doctor can either prescribe a treatment to either fix the dry mouth or write a new prescription for your previous problem, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
Related Symptoms
If your dry mouth has been ongoing, it may feel relatively normal to you. If you suspect you have dry mouth, consider the other symptoms often associated with it. They include general discomfort, inability to chew or swallow food with ease, tongue sticking to the roof of the mouth and thick saliva or an absence of saliva.
Complications
If persistent, mouth dryness can cause various complications that range from mild to severe. An ongoing problem can lead to chronic bad breath known as halitosis, frequent coughing, dry or itchy eyes, nose and throat, poor sense of smell, nausea and even constipation. Other more serious complications include higher susceptibility to oral infections, a higher rate of tooth decay and mouth ulcers.
Warnings
Consult your doctor immediately if issues with a dry mouth persist. After meeting with your doctor, she can diagnose the problem and even tell you the cause. Once the cause is known, the dryness on the roof of your mouth can then be properly treated. Consulting your doctor is also the best way to prevent further complications from occurring.