The tongue occupies most of the oral cavity and any disorder affecting the mouth will usually involve the tongue as well. The outer part of the tongue is covered by a mucous membrane similar to most of the inner lining of the mouth. It has various papillae (projections) which house the taste buds. Moisture of the tongue is maintained by saliva, most of which comes from the major salivary glands (parotid, sublingual, submandibular) with a smaller yet significant contribution from the hundreds of minor salivary glands in the mouth. Therefore dryness of the mouth which is primarily due to reduced saliva secretion will also cause dryness of the tongue. Why is the tongue dry? 1. Parotid gland 2. Submandibular gland 3. Sublingual gland Picture from Wikimedia Commons A dry tongue is part of mouth dryness (xerostomia). It is sometimes more prominent in the tongue causing a coarse or hairy and thick sensation of the tongue. Most causes of a sudden dryness of the tongue are benign and due to certain foods or situations that are often not related to any disease. It is quickly remedied with significant water consumption. However, persistent dryness of the mouth and tongue are often due … Continue reading Dry Tongue (Parched) Causes, Diseases and Remedies