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PhrasesAt the DentistHo la bocca sempre secca.
A2

Ho la bocca sempre secca.

I always have a dry mouth.

Pronunciation

BOK-ka — double 'k' sound, short. 'Secca' — SHK-ka, double 'c' is hard 'k'. Stress on first syllable each.

When to use it

Report this symptom to your dentist — dry mouth significantly increases cavity risk. Also tell your GP as it can indicate systemic conditions or medication side effects.

What it means

'Ho la bocca secca' uses 'avere'. 'Sempre' means 'always'. Dry mouth ('xerostomia' in medical Italian) can be caused by medications, certain medical conditions (diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome), or breathing through the mouth. Saliva protects teeth — without it, cavities and gum disease progress faster.

Variations

Produco poca saliva.

I produce little saliva.

Medical description — 'produco' from 'produrre' (to produce)

La bocca secca è un effetto del mio farmaco.

The dry mouth is a side effect of my medication.

Many medications cause xerostomia — antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure drugs

Ho bisogno di saliva artificiale?

Do I need artificial saliva?

'Saliva artificiale' or 'sostituto salivare' available in Italian pharmacies

Mini Dialogue

— Ho la bocca sempre secca. Specialmente di notte. — Prende qualche farmaco? — Sì, un antidepressivo da sei mesi. È iniziato allora. — Spesso è un effetto collaterale. Parli anche con il suo medico. — Intanto può consigliarmi qualcosa? — Sì, sostituto salivare e gomme da masticare senza zucchero con xilitolo.

— I always have a dry mouth. Especially at night. — Do you take any medication? — Yes, an antidepressant for six months. It started then. — It is often a side effect. Also speak with your doctor. — In the meantime can you recommend something? — Yes, artificial saliva and sugar-free chewing gum with xylitol.

Cultural Note

Xylitol ('xilitolo') gum is widely available in Italian pharmacies and supermarkets and is actively recommended by Italian dentists for dry mouth patients. Italian pharmacies ('farmacie') stock a wide range of oral hygiene products for special needs: alcohol-free mouthwashes, fluoride varnishes, and saliva substitutes. The pharmacist ('farmacista') can advise without an appointment.