While its role is often unknown or overlooked, saliva is responsible for maintaining our overall oral health. This important liquid is secreted by our many salivary glands in our mouths, in varying quantities throughout the whole day, to ease the day-to-day activities that we take for granted.
How Saliva is Helping You Right Now
Saliva is constantly lubricating our oral tissues, which helps our tongue and lips move comfortably when speaking. It also triggers our taste receptors and dissolves certain flavors in our foods, such as sugar or salt, so we can better enjoy the taste of our favorite dishes. The chewing motions stimulate the increase of saliva flow while we eat, as well, so it can moisten and help to break down our food before swallowing. This helps establish a solid start for our digestion cycle to work. Although saliva is composed of 99% water, what remains is a combination of enzymes and electrolytes that keep our mouth clean and our teeth strong - and safe - from the development of cavities and decay.
The Risk of a Dry Mouth
Xerostomia, commonly referred to as a dry mouth, is a condition that exists when our saliva flow is below the standards. It is mainly activated due to use of certain medicines and dehydration, which causes our salivary glands to malfunction. The lack of saliva in your mouth can lead to an uncomfortable sensation, sore throat, and cracked lips. Not only that, however, but it also hinders our ability to taste and leaves our mouth unprotected from germs and the buildup of plaque. A mouth filled with germs can lead to bad breath, and it should be treated immediately in order to prevent further complications, including as gum disease (from the germs infecting your gumline) or cavities. To learn more about xerostomia and treatment options for it, please contact our office today.