Americans tend to think only of their oral health when it comes down to keeping their gums and teeth healthy. The most important component of oral health is saliva. Without saliva, food would not taste as good and tooth decay could increase. Digestive problems could also be worsened. Michael Brennan DDS, MHS is the director of the Sjogren’s Syndrome & Salivary Disorders Center at Carolinas Medical Center. He provides additional information about saliva’s benefits.

Q: Why do you have saliva?

A: Saliva serves many functions in the mouth. Saliva is your mouth’s best natural defense against decay. The saliva neutralizes acids and removes sugars from your mouth. Low saliva production can lead to tooth decay. A decrease in saliva production can lead to serious digestive problems. Saliva is essential for food movement through the intestines. It also provides enzymes that aid digestion. If you are unable to communicate effectively, your oral function is affected.

Q: What is the best way to know if you have enough saliva?

A: It is possible that you are not producing enough saliva if your symptoms include any of the following:

* Difficulty talking, chewing or swallowing

* Sore or cracked tongue

* Dry or burning throat

* Dry or peeling lips

* Difficulty tasting food

* Oral yeast infections

* Increased dental cavities

* Digestive problems, such as the inability to process food, and other serious problems like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Q: Can people with dry mouth drink more water?

A: Water intake throughout the day is a good way to reduce dry-mouth symptoms. But, don’t drink too much. “over-sipping”This can wash out your saliva, making dry-mouth symptoms worse. You can stimulate saliva flow by adding lemon juice to water. If symptoms persist or you feel like you are drinking water all the time, speak with your doctor. You should avoid sugar and other acidic-type sweeteners as these can cause tooth decay or erosion in those with reduced salivary function.

Chronic dryness of the mouth could be due to dehydration or an underlying medical condition, such as Sjogren’s syndrome. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune cells attack the moisture-producing tissues and decimate them. Dry eyes and dry mouth are two of the most common symptoms.

Sjogren’s syndrome is a condition in which nine out of 10 patients are women. The average age of onset is in the 40s. Sjogren’s syndrome is known for dryness symptoms that often worsen with menopause. Many people suffering from dryness blame menopause or another factor and don’t seek the help that they need.

Q: What do I do if my saliva is not sufficient or I have dry-mouth?

A: Seek treatment from your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. Although some over-the-counter remedies and behavioral changes may offer some relief, your doctor will likely prescribe treatment depending upon the severity, frequency, and cause of your symptoms. Dry-mouth symptoms should not be ignored. This could lead to worsening health problems and complications.

Please visit this website for more information about dry-mouth symptoms, or Sjogren’s syndrome. www.sjogrens.org.