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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 ]
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 ...
Xerostomia, or a decrease in saliva flow, can be a side effect of many drugs, which, in turn, can lead to the development of taste disturbances such as dysgeusia. [39] Patients can lessen the effects of xerostomia with breath mints, sugarless gum, or lozenges; or physicians can increase saliva flow with artificial saliva or oral pilocarpine. [39]
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until age 5 to introduce gum to children. This is usually the age when children can chew well, understand the concept of spitting and know not ...
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.
Breathing through the mouth decreases saliva flow. Saliva has minerals to help neutralize bacteria, clean off the teeth, and rehydrate the tissues. Without it, the risk of gum disease and cavities increases. [27] Chronic mouth breathing in children may affect dental and facial growth. [19]
Mouth care: increase oral intake, practice good oral hygiene, use sugar free gum (to increase saliva flow), regular use of mouth rinses, pilocarpine medication, reduce alcohol intake and smoking cessation. Saliva substitutes are also available as a spray, gel, gum or in the form of a medicated sweet; Dry skin: creams, moisturising soaps
Secretion: Saliva is the primary secretion of the oral mucosa. It has many functions including lubrication, pH buffering and immunity. The lubricating and antimicrobial functions of saliva are maintained mainly by resting; saliva results in a flushing effect and the clearance of oral debris and noxious agents.