What causes dry mouth and a dry tongue, and how can it be resolved?

     Dry mouth and tongue may be caused by insufficient water intake, dry environment, excessive salt intake, Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, and other factors. These issues can be resolved through daily lifestyle adjustments and medication. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.

     1. Insufficient water intake: When the body receives inadequate water, dehydration occurs, leading to dry mouth and tongue. It is recommended to increase water intake, ensure sufficient daily hydration, and drink more plain water or light tea to relieve symptoms.

     2. Dry environment: If the ambient humidity is low, moisture evaporates quickly, causing the oral mucosa to lose water, resulting in dry mouth and tongue. It is recommended to use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity or place bowls of water indoors to enhance evaporation, while also ensuring adequate hydration.

     3. Excessive salt intake: Consuming too many high-salt foods increases the body's osmotic pressure, leading to dry mouth. It is recommended to adjust the diet, reduce salt intake, eat more bland foods, and drink more water to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

     4. Sjögren's syndrome: This is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects exocrine glands such as the salivary glands, resulting in reduced saliva production and causing dry mouth and tongue. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as dry eyes and joint pain. It is recommended to use medications or formulations such as hydroxychloroquine tablets, total glucosides of paeony capsules, and methylprednisolone tablets under a doctor's guidance to relieve discomfort.

     5. Diabetes: The cause is insulin secretion defects or impaired biological function, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. This results in osmotic diuresis, bodily dehydration, and dry mouth and tongue. Common symptoms include polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyphagia (excessive hunger), polyuria (frequent urination), and weight loss. Patients can use medications such as metformin tablets, gliclazide modified-release tablets, and insulin injection under a doctor's guidance to control blood glucose levels and improve symptoms.

     In daily life, it is important to replenish water in a timely manner and drink sufficient amounts each day, especially during hot weather or after physical activity.

     References:

     [1] Zeng Shuhua, Lin Huan, Huang Suping. Professor Huang Suping's Experience in Treating Diabetes-Related Dry Mouth Syndrome[J]. Fujian Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2023, 54(03):33-34.

     [2] Wu Yufeng, Li Jinhong, Yang Liu. Development of an Oral Health Impact Scale for Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome[J]. Zhejiang Clinical Medicine, 2025, 27(02):219-221.