Dry mouth
Mumps infection primarily affects the parotid gland and decrease the production of saliva, which leads to the so-called dry mouth syndrome. Risk of infection and dental caries is severely increased due to excessive dryness of the mouth. The saliva becomes thick and stringy, and during inspection, doctors will notice a visible roughness of the tongue. Dental caries and mouth ulcers can make it very difficult for patients to chew food properly. Lips and gums get dry, and a burning sensation in the mouth makes the life miserable for the patient. Seeking advice from a doctor is a great option as he may recommend saliva substitutes and antibiotics. Good oral hygiene is very important in such circumstances as it can prevent dental caries, which mostly develops along the gum line. Lower front teeth are most commonly affected due to dry mouth syndrome as these are generally protected by the saliva produced from the floor of the mouth.
