What is dry mouth?

A silly question you might think, but dry mouth can often be more than just a dry or parched sensation in the mouth. It can be a symptom of a preexisting condition, or lead to various other forms of oral infection and disease.

Dryness of the mouth is a result of a decreased or inhibited flow of saliva. Though you may not realize it, saliva plays a prominent role in your oral and overall health. Harmful forms of bacteria in the mouth (called anaerobic, literally meaning “without air) thrive and multiply at a much higher rate in environments with less oxygen. Saliva, being highly concentrated in oxygen, generally helps to kill these bacteria and wash them away. Without this natural bacteria inhibitor present, bacteria can quickly grow out of control and wreak havoc on your oral health.

Having a dry mouth is just the beginning. When the mouth is persistently dry, it can lead to gum infections and more serious conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease- which has now been linked to other health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.