Saliva washes away food, neutralises acid, and keeps tissues healthy. A persistently dry mouth, often caused by medications, dehydration, or certain conditions, leaves teeth exposed and can make eating and speaking uncomfortable.
Sipping water through the day, chewing sugar-free gum, and limiting caffeine and alcohol all help stimulate flow. If dryness persists, your dentist can suggest saliva substitutes and check for cavities that dry mouth tends to encourage.