Every day our body produces about one liter of saliva, 99% of which is water, the rest minerals and proteins.

The saliva moistens and cleanses our mouths, moistens food, starts the digestion process and releases taste. The saliva keeps our teeth healthy because the minerals protect them against acids and the proteins protect them against wear and tear. The production of saliva is regulated by our nervous system.

Most of us have experienced the feeling of a dry mouth just before we are going to make a speech or, conversely, the anticipation of good food can make our mouth water. Certain tastes can increase the secretion of saliva, for example by eating something that tastes sour. The absence of saliva causes a dry mouth with all its associated problems.

Dry mouths can be a side effect of certain medications, especially those medications which affect the nervous system, such as medication against depression, psychosis and epilepsy. Medications taken for high blood pressure or allergies and some sleeping tablets may also cause a dry mouth. A dry mouth can be a symptom of certain illnesses such as diabetes.

One side effect of radiation therapy after neck and throat cancer is the permanent loss of saliva production. This requires specialized treatment. I would always recommend that you ask your doctor or nurse if you suffer from a dry mouth over a period of time and you don’t know the cause.

Dehydration also causes a dry mouth and can occur when we drink less water than the body needs to do its work. One good example is the suffering of a dry mouth as part of a hangover. The best advice here is to either drink less alcohol, or to drink a glass of water for every drink of alcohol.

The effect of a dry mouth over a long period of time is damaging to the teeth. As mentioned , saliva is the most important natural protection against teeth cavities but in addition there can be changes in the bacteria we normally have in the mouth and infections or thrush may appear. Reduced taste and diffculties with chewing and swallowing food can become a problem, and without saliva lubricating lips and tongue, it can be harder to talk properly.

How can we avoid a dry mouth? There are no medications that make saliva flow into the mouth. When a dry mouth appears as a result of medication, it is important to talk it over with a doctor to discuss the benefits of the medication against the disadvantages. Here is some good advice for treating a dry mouth:

• Stimulate the secretion of saliva: chewing gum and, lozenges, artificially sweetened, are good. Ask at the pharmacy for the right products.
• Protect the teeth: when suffering from a dry mouth, dental hygiene should be reviewed. Fluoride is important. Use a mild toothpaste. In addition you can use tablets or chewing gum with flouride (0.25 mg) up to 16 times a day.
• Food. : try to cut down on soft drinks and food with sugar. It may also help to rinse the mouth after meals to avoid food being left in the mouth.
• Saliva replacement, bought in the pharmacy, cannot replace the natural production, but it can help both the feeling of dryness and also protect the mucous membranes.
• Sucking small ice cubes can ease the dryness.

For all of us, dry mouths or not, we should try to drink more water. Especially as summer approaches and the weather gets warmer. We should try to drink 2 litres of water daily.

Good luck and, as always, please call me if you have any problems, comments or questions. My number is 617 299 047.