Saliva is crucial for maintaining the oral health of the mouth. Saliva functions to protect the teeth by wiping out any stray or bad bacteria that has been left behind after food consumption. It is basically a self-cleaning Roomba for your mouth. It is also a key aspect that aids in the digestion of food and assists in preventing the accumulation of harmful bacteria and fungi in the mouth that could prompt the onset of diseases.

In cases where enough saliva is not produced, the mouth gets dry and uncomfortable. Dry mouth puts the oral tissues into an alarming state where various oral health issues can result due to it. Your immune system is disrupted and your mouth becomes prone to infections and bacterial diseases that could have been fended off by adequate saliva.

The effects of dry mouth can range from small inconveniences to substantial damage.

Some of the symptoms of dry mouth include:

• Saliva:
• A thick, sticky and stringy saliva

• Mouth:
• Sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• Sores or split skin at corners of the mouth
• Inflammation and cracking of the lips (Cheilitis)
• Burning or tingling sensation in the mouth
• Bad breath and a metallic taste

• Tongue:
• Dry, red and raw tongue
• Inflammation of the tongue
• Tongue ulcers
• Grooved or fissured tongue
• Painful tongue (Glossodynia)
• Changes in sense of taste (Dysgeusia)

• Throat:
• Hoarseness, sore throat
• Dryness in the throat

• Issues with denture wear:
• Problems with denture retention
• Denture sores
• Extreme discomfort wearing dentures
• Other issues:
• Fungal infections in the mouth (Thrush)
• Salivary gland infection (Sialadenitis)
• Frequent thirst, especially at night
• Dry nasal passages
• Problems speaking
• Problems chewing or swallowing especially dry foods

A lot of the times poor saliva production affects not only the oral tissues but also has a significant effect on the state of health of the teeth. Reduction in saliva formulation results in the piling of tartar and plaque on the teeth. Poor oral prophylaxis coupled with lowered saliva jumpstarts many detrimental conditions in the mouth.

• Reddened, swollen and bleeding gums are some of the first signs of gum disease caused due to the amassing of tartar and gunk on the teeth surfaces. If left untreated, it can lead to surrounding tissue involvement, bone depletion and ultimately tooth loss.
• Decreased salivary flow can also cause the wearing down of the enamel due to excess acid in the mouth and can lead to teeth erosion. This can expose the underlying dentin and cause teeth hypersensitivity.
• Saliva has antimicrobial and buffering actions, the lack of which causes the bacteria to eat away at the tooth surfaces causing tooth decay.

The oral cavity is very sensitive to changes. Saliva is one of the most important facets that help maintain proper oral health. Without its lubricating and cleansing action, the mouth suffers great losses. Immediate attention should be given to such abnormal saliva function. Maintain proper oral hygiene and try out products that stimulate salivary flow from the St Andrew’s Trust Dry Mouth range. Save your mouth from tragedy and keep it healthy and happy!