Mouth Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have a dry mouth?

See significance of dry mouth if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have symptoms of moderate dehydration?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does a dry mouth make it hard to talk, eat, swallow, or wear dentures despite 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Have you had symptoms of mild dehydration for 24 hours or longer and you are unable to drink enough to replace lost fluids?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you wake up at night or in the morning with an extremely dry mouth?

Yes

Have you had a dry mouth that has not improved with 2 weeks of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 26, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer