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What Causes Dryness At The Roof Of The Mouth?

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Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016
Question: My husband has worked with a guy who had strep throat..he got a round of antibiotics and the throt pain has gone away..he now deals with dry mouth especiallt at the roof of the mouth..there are no visible signs in the mouth..any idea what could be happening
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Some questions

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I'm sorry to hear he is having trouble with a dry mouth. Can you please tell me - with the sore throat, did he also have some post nasal drainage (sensation of mucus in his throat) and nasal congestion?

What medications did he use for the throat pain and how long ago did he finish it?

Was he given a corticosteroid medication?

Is he on any other medications, such as a decongestant?

Thanks - information to follow after hearing back from you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (54 minutes later)
he has had some drainage on the one side the other day..he was out on augmentin for the sore throat..just finished it on tues. not given corticosteroids..no other meds he is on fir decongestant
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Some thoughts:

Detailed Answer:
It's possible the drainage is making his mouth feel differently. I see that you wrote he is not taking any decongestants - because that can cause a dry mouth.

Since he was on antibiotics, there is always some risk of a yeast infection (thrush) although this is somewhat less likely without having been on a steroid, but can still happen. So keep an eye out for any irritated areas that have white spots or white plaques as these can be signs of thrush, and are treated with an anticandidal medicine.

But the dryness may just be from the infection and possibly the antibiotic. I think less likely from the antibiotic though. I'd suggest giving it another week to see if it resolves with the rest of the upper respiratory infectious symptoms. It doesn't sound like it is concerning given it's correlation with the infection.

In the meantime, such cough drops or hard candy, sip honey, drink lots of water.

There are other causes for dry mouth such as Sjogrens autoimmune illness, but that has other symptoms as well such as dry eyes, and is not necessarily associated with an infection as your husband's has been. Also, elevated blood sugars can make a person thirsty and dehydrated, but that doesn't sound like what is going on either.

Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Dryness At The Roof Of The Mouth?

Brief Answer: Some questions Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I'm sorry to hear he is having trouble with a dry mouth. Can you please tell me - with the sore throat, did he also have some post nasal drainage (sensation of mucus in his throat) and nasal congestion? What medications did he use for the throat pain and how long ago did he finish it? Was he given a corticosteroid medication? Is he on any other medications, such as a decongestant? Thanks - information to follow after hearing back from you.