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It has also been defined as increased amount of saliva in the mouth, which may also be caused by decreased clearance of saliva. [4] Hypersalivation can contribute to drooling if there is an inability to keep the mouth closed or difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) the excess saliva, which can lead to excessive spitting.
Therefore, it is important that any products used in managing dry mouth symptoms are sugar-free, as the presence of sugars in the mouth support the growth of oral bacteria, resulting in acid production and development of dental caries. [8] Acid erosion. Saliva acts as a buffer and helps to prevent demineralization of teeth. [10]
Salivary gland dysfunction affects the flow, amount, or quality of saliva produced. A reduced salivation is termed hyposalivation.Hyposalivation often results in a dry mouth condition called xerostomia, and this can cause tooth decay due to the loss of the protective properties of saliva.
Artificial saliva is primarily used to relieve symptoms of xerostomia, known as dry mouth and hyposalivation, which is a condition that results in reduced saliva production. Various factors, including medication use, cancer therapy , and certain diseases, such as diabetes , stroke or Sjögren syndrome , can cause xerostomia. [ 1 ]
Xerostomia, the symptom of dry mouth is often caused by hyposalivation and is associated with significant impairment of quality of life. [34] Following radiotherapy of the head and neck region, salivary gland dysfunction is a predictable side-effect. [34] Saliva production may be pharmacologically stimulated by sialagogues such as pilocarpine ...
A 1930s poster from the Work Projects Administration promoting oral hygiene. Tooth decay is the most common global disease. [14] Over 80% of cavities occur inside fissures in teeth where brushing cannot reach food left trapped after eating and saliva and fluoride have no access to neutralize acid and remineralize demineralized teeth, unlike easy-to-clean parts of the tooth, where fewer ...
Some signs and symptoms of swallowing difficulties include difficulty controlling food in the mouth, inability to control food or saliva in the mouth, difficulty initiating a swallow, coughing, choking, frequent pneumonia, unexplained weight loss, gurgly or wet voice after swallowing, nasal regurgitation, and dysphagia (patient complaint of swallowing difficulty). [6]
Saliva is an important component of the taste mechanism. Saliva both interacts with and protects the taste receptors in the mouth. [5] Saliva mediates sour and sweet tastes through bicarbonate ions and glutamate, respectively. [6] The salt taste is induced when sodium chloride levels surpass the concentration in the saliva. [6]