Saliva is a very important constituent needed for vital functions. It is the body's own protection against tooth decay.

1. It consists of 99% water, bathes the teeth and mouth.

2. It constantly flushes the oral cavity to clear food debris that may act as a food supply for the bacteria in plaque.

3. As it is alkaline, It reduces the pH (acidity) of the plaque which helps to limit tooth decay by these acid attacks.

4. Saliva is the source of systemic fluorides and minerals needed for the remineralization of damaged dental enamel.

5. It helps in digestion.

6. It prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth

7. It makes it possible for you to chew and swallow.

Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.  It is known as Xerostomia. Individuals usually detect that they have a "dry mouth" when the flow of saliva decreases to around the half the normal unstimulated rate (0.3ml/min). This decrease in saliva flow rate is the result of hypofunction of salivary glands.

Dry mouth can:

-Cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking.

-Increase the chances of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth.

-Be a sign of certain diseases and conditions.

-Be caused by certain medications or medical treatments and could be a Side effect of drug therapy.  More than 400 medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva.  Medications used to treat hypertension, anxiety, depression or psychosis cause the most difficulty.  Antihistamines, antispasmodics, cancer-chemotherapy drugs, decongestants, and muscle relaxants often cause dry mouth.  

-Health conditions  such as extensive radiation therapy to the face and neck can cause severe dry mouth.  

-Many disease effect saliva flow: Sjogren's syndrome*, bacterial and viral infections, poorly controlled diabetes, salivary-gland stones, tumors, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes,  anxiety, HIV/AIDS,  depression, Bell's palsy, and Parkinson's disease.  Alzheimer's  and stroke can not feel the wetness in their mouth.  

-Chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker causing the mouth to feel dry.

-Nerve damage from an injury to the head or neck that tell salivary glands not to make saliva.

-Attachment loss from periodontal disease or who have had root caries are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of xerostomia

-Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. So if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WHAT TO DO FOR DRY MOUTH 

1. Take frequent sips of water throughout the day

2. Us a water spray bottle to wet your mouth.  Keep it near the places you work, sit and sleep.

3. Chew sugarless gum to stimulate salivary flow.  Chew gum that contain xylitol, a sweetening agent that reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

4. A warm salt water or baking soda rinse can improve oral comfort when your mouth is sore.

5. Chew fibrous foods, like carrots. 

6. Drink frequently while you eat.  This makes chewing and swallowing easier and improves taste. 

7. Use bland, non-spicy sauces (no masalas) and gravies on foods to add more moisture to the foods you eat. Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth.