Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is pretty much just what it sounds like. If you’ve experienced your mouth feeling excessively dry (where you can’t seem to make enough saliva to keep it moistened), you’re likely familiar with dry mouth. It can make talking or swallowing a challenge, and your mouth will probably feel sticky. You might also notice that the saliva you do produce feels thick and stringy. Dry mouth isn’t just a matter of discomfort or inconvenience — it can also lead to health issues such as tooth decay and gingivitis, as well as bad breath.
If you’re wondering, “What is cottonmouth?” the answer is no different; it’s just another name for the same issue.
