Many people don’t think about saliva and take it for granted that their mouth will remain moist and comfortable, but a normal flow of saliva is essential for good oral health. People who have plenty of saliva often think it’s a bad thing, but in fact it is quite the opposite!
What is Saliva?
Saliva is a fluid produced by the salivary glands in your mouth. It consists of 95% water and contains calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, phosphates and magnesium that help protect your teeth. It also contains proteins and immunoglobulins, and important enzymes. These enzymes help break down food in the mouth, beginning the process of digestion. Healthy saliva has a pH of between six and seven, so it is slightly acidic, enabling it to protect your mouth from a buildup of bacteria while breaking down food.
What are the Functions of Saliva?
One of the most important functions of saliva is to help wash away food debris, so food particles are less likely to collect around your teeth and ferment, where they provide energy for harmful bacteria in your mouth. Your saliva also interacts with your taste buds, helping you taste food more clearly.
As you chew food, saliva moistens it to form a bolus, a slippery ball of food that can easily be swallowed. Your mouth is home to hundreds of strains of bacteria, and saliva helps maintain a proper balance between them. It supports your oral microbiome, preventing potentially harmful bacteria from growing to unmanageable numbers. Saliva also lubricates your mouth, preventing your cheeks, lips and tongue from becoming dry and irritated.
What if Someone Doesn’t Have Enough Saliva?
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for some people to struggle to produce enough saliva, a condition called dry mouth or xerostomia. Dry mouth can be a side-effect of medical treatments, medical issues, or over-the-counter and prescription medications.
If you cannot produce enough saliva, it increases the risk of oral disease, including tooth decay and gum disease. You are more likely to suffer from bad breath and find it difficult to talk and eat comfortably. Dentures can become uncomfortable, and other symptoms include having a sore or dry throat.
What to do if You Have Xerostomia?
If you think you have xerostomia, please talk to us about this during your next checkup at Bel Canto Dental. Our dentists can examine your mouth for signs of oral disease and review your medical history.
The treatment recommended will depend on the probable cause. For example, our dental team can prescribe products to help moisturize your mouth or recommend suitable products to buy over the counter. If your dry mouth harms your dental health, we may suggest strategies to counteract these effects. These may include fluoride treatments to help protect your teeth or an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Sometimes seeing us more frequently can be useful, especially for hygiene treatments. Removing plaque and tartar buildup more frequently helps protect your teeth and gums.
Other strategies that can be useful include ensuring you remain well hydrated, so be sure to sip on water or sugar-free beverages throughout the day. Some people find it useful to suck sugar-free candies or chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva production. Make sure you breathe through your nose, and if you snore, consider seeking treatment to start sleeping comfortably with your mouth closed. Another strategy is to use a room humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture during the night.
It can be useful to visit your doctor if certain medications are causing dry mouth. They may be able to prescribe something different or adjust the dosage to help your mouth become more comfortable. However, please don’t stop taking any prescription medication without discussing it with them first.
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