Dry mouth

Dry Mouth is the most graphical definition of Xerostomy. Although Dry Mouth is not considered a disease, its symptoms can cause an important shortfall in the quality of life of those who suffer it. The decrease in production of salivary flow makes it difficult simple actions like speaking, eating and/or swallowing.

 Non treated Xerostomy can affect the sense of taste, difficult the chewing and even reduce the pleasure of eating and chatting.

What is Xerostomy? 

Xerostomy is the subjective feeling of dry mouth produced by the decrease of saliva flow (also known as hyposalivation or asialorrhea) due to the malfunction of the salivary glands. Our body has three glands responsible for the salivary flow (parotid gland, sublingual and submandibular).The decrease of saliva flow makes it difficult simple actions such as talking, eating and/or swallowing. 

These symptoms can be reversible or irreversible. In the first case, they are due to external causes (than can also be reversible) that can be treated or regulated, thus improving the saliva flow.

For instance, stress, depression, mouth breathing, or the intake of some medicines, among others. Whereas an irreversible Xerostomy is due to changes that can be relieved but not solved. This can be aging degeneration, Sjogren Syndrome or tumours.

Why is saliva so important to our body?
Saliva performs a variety of functions in our body:

• Protective Function: Saliva is a highly efficient defensive oral system. When the saliva flow decreases or its composition is altered, the physiological antibacterial mechanism is disturbed and there is a higher tendency to suffer from: dental biofilm build up, gum inflammation and bleeding, caries and bad breath. In addition, saliva neutralized the pH produced after meals, thus protecting the teeth enamel. Over night, when we sleep, the saliva flow diminishes and the teeth become unprotected in front of the caries. Therefore, brushing your teeth before going to bed is fundamental.
• Digestive Function: Saliva lubricates the alimentary bolus, thus facilitating chewing and swallowing of food. A poor lubrication can result in discomfort when swallowing, such as irritation or heartburn, reducing the pleasure to eat.
• Sensorial Function: Helps maintain a good sense of taste. One of the main aspects of the quality of life of a person.

COMPOSITION:
Saliva is a transparent liquid, of variable viscosity, mainly made up of water, mineral salts and some proteins:

• Water 95%: food dissolving.
• Rest 5%:
  • Mineral salts
  • Mucus: facilitates swallowing
  • Enzymes: dissolve food
  • Lisozyme: Destroys bacteria in food
  • Other substances
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  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar