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We don’t spend a lot of time thinking about saliva, but its role in overall oral health is essential. Saliva production helps to build and maintain healthy hard and soft tissues. In fact, saliva flow in the mouth is similar to blood flow throughout the body. When saliva production is reduced, it can result in tooth decay and other dental damage. Here, we will discuss the various benefits of saliva and discuss treatments for xerostomia, or chronic dry mouth. More about Saliva Saliva is approximately 99 percent water, but the remaining one percent is extremely important, as it contains a wide range of proteins and electrolytes. Saliva is primarily secreted by three major salivary glands: the submandibular, the parotid, and the sublingual. Controlled by the autonomic nervous system, these glands play a crucial role in your oral health. There are also minor glands, called the labial, lingual, buccal, and palatine, that produce around 10 percent of your overall saliva. Without any kind of stimulation, there is a minor and continual salivary flow while healthy subjects are at rest. Of course, salivation is increased by chewing and other external stimuli. On a daily basis, the average individual produces about two to for pints of saliva. Benefits of Saliva Saliva offers a number of benefits for healthy teeth and gums. For example, saliva: • Aids in chewing, tasting, and swallowing • Lubricates your oral soft tissues, keeping them comfortable • Washes away harmful disease-causing bacteria • Prevents halitosis • Contains minerals and proteins that help prevent gum disease and tooth decay • Helps to break down food for easier digestion • Provides high levels of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions at the surfaces of the teeth • Neutralizes acid production • Enhances the flavor of food • Aids in speech by keeping oral tissues lubricated Xerostomia and Saliva Production Xerostomia, or chronic dry mouth, is caused by insufficient saliva production. This condition can be caused by a number of factors, including certain systemic conditions, some medications, or poor nutrition, among other things. Those who use tobacco products can also affect the amount of saliva your produce, as can dehydration. Symptoms of Xerostomia The symptoms of xerostomia can be acute or chronic, mild or severe. You may have dry mouth if you experience: • A dry or sticky feeling in the mouth • Sores in the mouth or at the corners of your lips • Cracked lips • Frequent thirst • Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing • A dry or raw tongue • Bad breath or taste • Dry nasal passages • Hoarseness Treating Xerostomia The treatment recommended for you will depend on the cause of your dry mouth. For instance, if you suspect your xerostomia is due to certain medications, talk with your primary care physician. He or she may be able to adjust your medications or dosages to alleviate the problem. There are also mouthwashes or rinses that can help restore moisture and lubrication. In addition to the suggestions mentioned above, patients with dry mouth should also: • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water • Avoid mouth-breathing as much as possible • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free candy • Use a fluoride toothpaste and a fluoride mouth rinse regularly • Add moisture to the air in your home with a vaporizer • Use an over-the-counter saliva substitute It is also important to attend routine dental visits so your dentist can monitor your condition and make any necessary changes to your oral hygiene regimen. To learn more about the effects of dry mouth, contact Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO. You can also give us a call at 303-534-2626.
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xerostomia, chronic dry mouth, saliva and oral health,
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