Saliva Protects Your Teeth

Saliva plays a crucial yet often overlooked role in maintaining oral health. Not only does it help with chewing and swallowing, but it also protects our teeth, fights decay, and supports overall comfort in the mouth. When something disrupts our saliva flow, such as dry mouth (xerostomia), it can have a significant impact on dental health and quality of life.

Let’s explore the importance of saliva, what happens when we don't have enough, and the treatments available to manage dry mouth—especially for patients like John, a 50-year-old Maroubra resident who recently came to our clinic with this very issue.

How Saliva Protects Your Teeth

Saliva is much more than just "spit"—it's a powerful tool your body uses to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here's how it works:

• Neutralising Acids: After eating or drinking, especially sugary or acidic foods, bacteria in your mouth produce acids that can erode enamel. Saliva helps neutralise these acids, acting as a natural buffer to reduce the risk of cavities.
• Washing Away Food Debris: Saliva constantly flows, helping to wash away food particles and bacteria. Without this natural rinse, harmful plaque builds up more easily.
• Strengthening Teeth: Saliva contains calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, which help remineralise your teeth and repair the early stages of tooth decay.
• Maintaining Gum Health: By keeping the tissues of your mouth moist, saliva prevents irritation and inflammation of your gums, helping to reduce the risk of gum disease.

John's Experience with Dry Mouth

John, a long-time resident of Maroubra and an active middle-aged man, recently noticed that his mouth often felt dry, especially in the mornings. He found himself sipping water constantly throughout the day and even waking up at night with a parched feeling. On top of the discomfort, he began to notice his teeth felt more sensitive, and he had a metallic taste in his mouth.

By the time John came to us, he was concerned that his dry mouth might be affecting his dental health. After a thorough examination, we found that his saliva production had significantly decreased, which was starting to impact the strength of his enamel.

The Impact of Dry Mouth on Oral Health

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This condition can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Medications: Many common medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, list dry mouth as a side effect.
• Ageing: As we age, our bodies naturally produce less saliva.
• Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome), or treatments like chemotherapy can also lead to dry mouth.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine can all reduce saliva production.

Without enough saliva, your mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, plaque, and acids. This can lead to:

• Increased risk of cavities
• Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
• Bad breath
• Oral infections
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking

What to Do if You Have Dry Mouth

If you’re experiencing dry mouth, it's essential to address the underlying causes and take steps to restore moisture in your mouth. At Maroubra Dental Clinic, we offer a variety of treatments and strategies to help patients like John regain comfort and protect their oral health:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water regularly helps keep your mouth moist, but it’s not always enough on its own if your saliva production is significantly reduced.
2. Avoid Triggers: Cutting down on alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco use can make a big difference.
3. Saliva Substitutes: We can recommend over-the-counter saliva substitutes or prescription rinses that help mimic the effects of natural saliva.
4. Chewing Sugar-Free Gum: Stimulating saliva flow by chewing sugar-free gum or lozenges can be a simple yet effective strategy. Look for products containing xylitol, which also helps reduce decay.
5. Dental Treatments: In cases where dry mouth is causing enamel erosion or cavities, treatments such as fluoride varnishes or dental sealants can help protect your teeth from further damage.

How We Helped John

For John, we implemented a comprehensive plan to manage his dry mouth. This included recommending a saliva substitute and offering tips on diet and hydration. We also applied a fluoride varnish to strengthen his enamel and scheduled regular check-ups to monitor his progress. With these adjustments, John reported feeling much more comfortable and reassured that his oral health was back on track.

Don’t Ignore the Signs of Dry Mouth

If you’re experiencing dry mouth, it’s important not to wait too long before seeking help. Left untreated, it can lead to more serious dental problems, but with the right care, you can maintain a healthy and comfortable smile.

At Maroubra Dental Clinic, we’re here to help you find relief. Book a visit today to discuss how we can support your oral health and improve your comfort. Our friendly team will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan that suits your needs, just like we did for John. We’re dedicated to making sure that your smile stays strong and healthy, no matter the challenge.