Dr. Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics in Brownsburg, IN wants his patients to know that saliva is an important part of a healthy body. You make saliva when you chew, and the harder you chew, the more saliva you make. You may also find that you make saliva when you suck on sugar-free candy and/or cough drops. It is the clear, watery liquid made by your salivary glands that:
- Keeps your mouth moist and comfortable
- Helps you chew, taste and swallow
- Fights germs in your mouth
- Prevents bad breath
- Has proteins and minerals that protect tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay and gum disease
- Helps keep dentures securely in place
Moving through tubes called salivary ducts, the body normally makes up to 2 to 4 pints of saliva a day, making the most saliva in the late afternoon and the least amount at night. But what happens when the body makes too little saliva? Too little saliva leads to dry mouth (xerostomia) which causes the gums, tongue and other tissues in the mouth to become swollen and uncomfortable. Germs thrive in this type of setting, and a germy, dry mouth leads to bad breath. Moreover, saliva helps clear food particles from your teeth reducing the risk of cavities, therefore dry mouth also makes you more likely to develop rapid tooth decay and even gum (periodontal) disease.
If you have too little saliva or dry mouth Dr. Chapman offers these tips:
- Drink plenty of water
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Suck on sugar-free candy
- Rinse your mouth with artificial saliva
If you find that your body creates too little saliva often please don’t hesitate contact Dr. Chapman at 317.484.6388 or visit Chapman Orthodontics when and if you are in the Avon, IN area. Happy Valentine’s Day!