Saliva enhancers are products or methods designed to alleviate dry mouth, a condition known as xerostomia, by increasing the amount of saliva in the mouth or by mimicking its lubricating properties. Saliva plays a significant role in maintaining oral health, aiding in digestion, and ensuring comfort. It helps in neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and protecting against tooth decay and gum disease.
Understanding Saliva Enhancers
Commercially available saliva enhancers fall into several categories, each working through different mechanisms to address dry mouth. Artificial saliva and oral moisturizers, for instance, are designed to lubricate and moisten the mouth directly. These often come in the form of gels, sprays, or rinses, and common ingredients include carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, which provide a coating, along with humectants like xylitol that help retain moisture.
Salivary stimulants, available over-the-counter, work by encouraging the salivary glands to produce more saliva. Products such as sugar-free chewing gum, lozenges, or candies can achieve this through mechanical action, stimulating the glands. Xylitol, often found in these products, provides sweetness without contributing to tooth decay and has a mild stimulating effect on saliva flow.
For more severe cases of dry mouth, prescription saliva stimulants may be recommended by a healthcare professional. Medications like pilocarpine or cevimeline directly target and stimulate the salivary glands to increase natural saliva production. These systemic medications are considered when other methods have not provided sufficient relief and dry mouth stems from a chronic condition or medication side effect.
Supporting Saliva Production Naturally
Beyond commercial products, several lifestyle and dietary adjustments can help support natural saliva production. Staying adequately hydrated is fundamental; consistently drinking water throughout the day helps maintain body fluid levels, which directly impacts saliva volume. Aiming for at least eight glasses of water daily can make a noticeable difference in oral moisture.
Dietary choices also influence saliva flow. It is beneficial to limit dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol, which can further dry out the mouth. Foods that are very salty should also be consumed in moderation, as they contribute to dryness. Conversely, incorporating crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples or carrots, can naturally stimulate salivary glands through chewing.
Maintaining diligent oral hygiene practices also supports a healthy oral environment for saliva function. Regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque and food debris, reducing the risk of oral infections that can exacerbate dry mouth symptoms. A clean mouth allows existing saliva to perform its protective functions more effectively.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While saliva enhancers and natural methods can provide relief, persistent or severe dry mouth warrants professional evaluation. If dry mouth symptoms do not improve with self-care measures, consult a dentist or doctor. They can help identify underlying causes, such as certain medical conditions or side effects from medications, requiring specific diagnosis and treatment.