Every day, your body produces a constant flow of saliva that helps you chew, swallow, and speak without difficulty. Saliva also enhances the taste of all the delicious foods you enjoy.<\/p>\n
Saliva \u2013 or spit \u2013 is a bodily fluid that is 99% water and 1% electrolytes and proteins. While you produce a small and steady flow at rest, most saliva is stimulated by chewing. The flow is also stimulated by smelling something appetizing \u2013 that\u2019s why you call it a mouthwatering aroma.<\/p>\n
And even though you spend your days not thinking about saliva, it works around the clock to keep your mouth healthy and clean. In fact, it performs several essential functions for good oral health.<\/p>\n
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The medical term for dry mouth<\/a> from reduced saliva production is xerostomia. There are many factors that can cause dry mouth, including some autoimmune disorders, dehydration, medications, radiation therapy, old age, or a salivary gland disorder.<\/p>\n If you have dry mouth, you may experience the following: swollen and uncomfortable gums, thirst, difficulties chewing, swallowing, and speaking, altered sense of taste, and bad breath. Persistent dry mouth increases your risk for cavities, gum disease, oral thrush, and other oral infections.<\/p>\n See your dentist for a check-up if you experience frequent dry mouth. At home, you can try chewing sugar-free gum, drinking water, eating more fibrous foods and limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine to keep your oral cavity moist. In severe cases of dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe medication to increase saliva production.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Regular check ups with your dentist<\/a> are an important part of keeping your oral health up to date. Along with checking for signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, your dentist routinely checks for signs of dryness in your mouth. If it\u2019s time to schedule your next cleaning and exam, contact<\/a> Boyett Family Dentistry today for appointment times.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every day, your body produces a constant flow of saliva that helps you chew, swallow, and speak without difficulty. Saliva also enhances the taste of all the delicious foods you enjoy. Saliva \u2013 or spit \u2013 is a bodily fluid that is 99% water and 1% electrolytes and proteins. While you produce a small and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n