Dry mouth is a condition that results from a decreased volume of saliva in the mouth. Dry mouth is also called xerostomia. Xerostomia can make it difficult to speak, eat and digest food and can lead to malnutrition. Extreme dry mouth and salivary gland dysfunction can produce significant anxiety, permanent mouth and throat disorders, and can impair a person’s quality of life.

Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth

Saliva is an essential part of a healthy mouth and is often taken for granted.  The lubricating properties of saliva provide comfort and help protect the oral tissues against ulcers, sores and other frictional movements that accompany normal eating and speaking. Saliva neutralizes acids and helps defend against tooth decay, and bacterial, viral, or fungal threats.  Saliva is also a very essential contributor to a person’s ability to taste, as it acts as a solvent for the taste stimuli.  When saliva volume is insufficient, all of these functions are impaired.

Here are some tips to minimize dry mouth:

• Sipping water often and during meals
• Avoid coffee, tea and some sodas
• Chew sugar-free gum
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Good oral hygiene