Saliva’s Role in Oral Health
Though it might seem insignificant, saliva plays an enormous role in the mouth - both in function and overall health. With conditions like dry mouth, the reduced amount of saliva can lead to various health complications, including tooth decay and other oral infections. This is why dry mouth must always be addressed as soon as possible, with artificial saliva being a vital solution.
What Is Saliva?
Saliva (or as it’s commonly called, spit) is a liquid compound derived from our blood. And similar to blood, saliva contributes to the construction and maintenance of certain tissues in the human mouth.
Saliva production is directly stimulated by the act of chewing. As the muscles in your mouth put pressure on the salivary glands (of which we have 3 pairs), saliva is subsequently released.
How Saliva Keeps Your Mouth Healthy
Saliva plays many important roles in keeping the mouth healthy. In addition to washing food particles from the teeth and gums, it also helps to break down food for easier swallowing. Even our sense of taste is heavily swayed by the amount of saliva present at any one time.
Interestingly, saliva itself has minor antibiotic properties, which in turn works to prevent the formation of decaying tissue (i.e. cavities). It also strengthens the enamel on the surface of your teeth; this is due to saliva containing a high concentration of calcium, as well as other helpful compounds like fluoride and phosphate.
As research on the inherent properties of saliva continues to develop, certain studies have utilized it as an oral health indicator. Because of its similarity to blood, saliva is being used to detect early signs of oral disease.
Thus far, the results have been quite encouraging; researchers have already found links to other prevalent conditions, including breast cancer, gum disease, and HIV through saliva testing. In light of these successes, the U.S. National Institutes of Health have transitioned to a focus on salivary diagnosis as a vital area of further development and research.
What Is Artificial Saliva?
Artificial saliva is mainly used to address dry mouth (known clinically as xerostomia). Many health and diet factors may limit healthy saliva production, and in turn, induce dry mouth. They include:
- Various medications, especially those used to treat depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and allergies
- Aging, with the main factors being additional medications, improper nutrition, and other long-term health issues
- Nerve damage from an injury to the head or neck
- Certain health conditions such as stroke, diabetes, yeast infection, or Alzheimer’s
- Tabacco or alcohol use
- Recreational drugs
What is Artificial Saliva Made Of?
Artificial saliva is available in multiple forms, such as an oral spray, rinse, gel, or dissolving tablets. Aquoral, NeutraSal, and XyliMelts are all popular artificial saliva products.
Similar to natural saliva, the artificial variety’s main component is water. However, it lacks the right combination of enzymes, mucus, and electrolytes to be an exact match.
While ingredients vary by application and type, the most common include carboxymethylcellulose (or CMC), glycerin, various minerals like calcium or fluoride, and xylitol. Each of these is combined with water to assist in properly lubricating the mouth, reducing uncomfortable symptoms and risk for health complications down the line.
How Artificial Saliva Works
Artificial saliva relieves dry mouth by temporarily moistening the mouth while constructing a protective barrier. This can alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of trauma inflicted by chronic dry mouth. Besides easing these symptoms, artificial saliva can also be used for bad breath.
If you are currently taking a medication known to cause dry mouth symptoms, a doctor may recommend that you use artificial saliva treatments. This is especially true for conditions like diabetes or Alzheimer’s.
How is Artificial Saliva Used?
As previously stated, the main use of artificial saliva is for dry mouth. Artificial saliva can help to relieve dry mouth symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Sticky, dry sensations in the mouth
- Cracked lips
- Dry and rouge tongue
- Mouth sores
- A burning sensation in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Unfortunately, saliva replacement products are only a temporary solution, as there is no cure yet for dry mouth. However, it will lead to a better form of protection against oral complications that directly result from an inadequate amount of natural saliva.
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