Generally, saliva is one of those things that’s not valued until it is gone. Dry mouth, otherwise known as xerostomia, affects at least one third of adults around the country. Normal human salivary glands produce about 4-6 cups of saliva each day. But when this amount declines dramatically dry mouth symptoms can increase fast. Indications of xerostomia can fluctuate from minor dryness to hurting and burning in the mouth. Some common end results of the disorder can be halitosis, gum disease, and further tooth decay.

Xerostomia, is a very widespread contributing factor to halitosis, and is the basis for a number of oral changes to happen. In a dry mouth the bacteria become more concentrated in the saliva, and the volatile sulfur compounds many bacteria produce tend to vanish more readily into the air. When this arises, bad breath will be more conspicuous.

Additionally, the pH or acid/base balance of the mouth becomes altered, and makes available an environment that is more beneficial to the escalation of anaerobic bacteria. Because there is less saliva the cleansing effect of saliva is lowered, and this results in increased bacteria and cellular debris amassing in the oral cavity.

The grounds for dry mouth are numerous but can be readily dealt with. A good blog on the subject of dry mouth is located at http://www.dry–mouth.com.

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