Dry mouth, or xerostomia, results from a decreased flow of saliva. It can be caused by various medications or radiation treatments for cancer, or it can be a symptom of disease. For some it may be a mild annoyance, but for others it is a serious health condition. Xerostomia can have great affects on the health of the mouth and quality of life.
Difficulty Eating
Saliva plays a huge role in the ability to enjoy food. Saliva coats food during chewing so that it is easily swallowed, and it allows the taste buds of the tongue to function properly. Inadequate saliva makes eating and tasting food difficult. Saliva contains enzymes that start the digestion process in the mouth. Without adequate saliva, this process is not initiated, causing the body to work harder to complete digestion.
Infection
A severe lack of saliva increases susceptibility to infection because the dry tissues of the mouth often become irritated and inflamed. Pain resulting from heightened tissue sensitivity often leads patients to neglect oral hygiene, further increasing chances of infection. Xerostomia can change the normal bacterial flora of the mouth, leading to increased incidence of oral thrush.
Tooth Decay
According to MayoClinic.com, saliva helps prevent tooth decay by restricting bacterial proliferation. A healthy amount of saliva keeps food sugars and acids from sitting on the teeth and destroying enamel. It also helps to wash away the plaque that can cause gum disease if allowed to remain on teeth. Having decreased salivary flow means that the natural cleansing of the mouth is hindered, and this can lead to both periodontal disease and tooth decay.
