Which department should I visit at the hospital for dry mouth and thirst?

　　Dry mouth and thirst can be caused by various factors, such as oral diseases, medication side effects, autoimmune disorders, and others. Therefore, when seeking medical care at a hospital, patients should visit different departments depending on their specific condition—commonly the department of stomatology (oral medicine) or internal medicine. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Department of Stomatology

　　Dry mouth is one of the common symptoms seen in oral medicine, possibly resulting from various causes including oral diseases, drug side effects, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders. Dry mouth may lead to problems such as dry oral mucosa, bad breath, and oral ulcers, thus requiring treatment and management under the guidance of a dentist. Additionally, dry mouth may also be a manifestation of certain systemic diseases, necessitating further evaluation and treatment. Therefore, patients experiencing dry mouth should consider visiting the department of stomatology for diagnosis and treatment.

　　2. Department of Internal Medicine

　　Dry mouth can also be a symptom of systemic conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, liver disease, or kidney disease. These conditions may affect the function of salivary glands, leading to dryness of the mouth. Therefore, if dry mouth is severe or accompanied by other systemic symptoms, it is recommended to consult an internist for a comprehensive physical examination and relevant diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

　　Patients are advised to maintain a proper diet and avoid consuming irritating foods. If symptoms are severe, active medical treatment should be pursued.