The Benefits of Saliva

Saliva (spit) is one of the great wonders found in your mouth.  It aids in digestion, washes away food, neutralizes acids that cause cavities and lubricates your mouth.  Reduced saliva flow which results in dry mouth is a common problem among those taking medications as well as those suffering from certain diseases.  Antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics, and medications to treat glaucoma are all known for causing xerostomia or dry mouth.  Diseases such as diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, salivary gland diseases and endocrine disorders are also culprits which cause your salivary glands to not function at optimal levels.

You never know how blessed you are until the quantity of saliva in your mouth decreases.  Dry mouth can be the cause of a constant sore throat, difficulty speaking and swallowing, hoarseness, having your tongue stick to your palate or teeth as well as dental cavities.  When your mouth is dry it irritates the soft tissues of the mouth causing inflammation and increases your risk of infection.

Proper management of dry mouth is the key to maintaining your oral health and comfort.  Here are a few tips for managing dry mouth: Avoid drinking anything with sugar or carbonation in it.  There are many products on the market such as pastes, gels, mouthwashes and mists which act as saliva substitutes.  The brand names of these products which act as saliva substitutes are Oasis or Biotene and are available in your local drug store.  You can talk to your dentist or medical doctor about prescription medicine to increase the flow of saliva.  In addition, it would be in your best interest to have regular dental exams and use fluoridated toothpaste to help prevent cavities.  Your dentist may even recommend prescription toothpaste to help with fighting cavities.  Feel free to talk to your medical doctor and dentist in order to determine the best plan for you if you are lacking sufficient spit!

 –Authored by Robin Hogan, DDS