Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet.  It can happen to anyone occasionally - for example, when nervous or stressed.  However, when dry mouth persists, it can make chewing, eating, swallowing and even talking difficult. 

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands that make saliva, dont function properly.  It is a common condition that may result from the effects of medications, systemic diseases (such as Diabetes, Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers and Sjogrens syndrome), or head and neck radiotherapy. 

Saliva secretion serves many purposes. Most noticeably, saliva makes it easier to talk. Saliva also helps prevent tooth decay. It washes away food and plaque from the teeth. Minerals found in saliva help repair early tooth decay. Saliva also helps limit bacterial growth that is known to dissolve tooth enamel or lead to mouth infections, and helps neutralise damaging acids in the mouth. Saliva enhances the ability to taste food and makes it easier to swallow. In addition, enzymes in saliva aid in digestion.

Aside from the sensation of dryness in the mouth, one also may experience:
Saliva that seems thick, stringy
Sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth
Bad breath
Difficulty speaking, swallowing
A burning or tingling sensation on tongue
An altered sense of taste
Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease

While it is a common complaint, it is often left untreated since the majority of people who suffer from dry mouth are unaware of it, and those who are aware of it cannot find products which deal with the problem effectively and safely enough.