What is the medical term for dry mouth due to lack of saliva?

The term for dry mouth resulting from insufficient saliva production is referred to as xerostomia. This condition can significantly affect oral health, leading to issues such as difficulty in swallowing, speaking, and increased risk of dental decay and gum disease due to the lack of saliva's protective and lubricating properties. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene by washing away food particles and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Understanding this condition is vital for dental professionals as it can affect patient management and treatment decisions.

Halitosis, while a common oral concern, refers specifically to bad breath and is not directly related to salivary production. Stomatitis denotes inflammation within the mouth, and glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue, neither of which specifically describe the condition of dry mouth. Thus, xerostomia stands out as the precise medical term for the deficiency in saliva.