You may not give saliva much thought, but it has a lot to tell you about your body and your health. When you wake up in the morning, your mouth may feel a little dry -- a clue that your body needs water after seven or eight hours of rest. Or maybe you experience hypersalivation throughout the day and night, which could be a sign of pregnancy.
Those two scenarios are just scratching the surface when it comes to the stories that our saliva has to tell. The quality and content of your saliva may contain information about systemic conditions, such as diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome, making your dentist your first line of defense against the potentially debilitating impact of chronic diseases.
Why saliva matters
The clear fluid produced by your salivary glands lubricates the mouth as you chew, swallow and digest food. It also helps keep your teeth clean by encouraging a healthy pH balance in the mouth to reduce your risk of dental decay. Composed primarily of water, your saliva also consists of digestive enzymes, electrolytes and proteins.
People with autoimmune conditions, certain cancers, heart disease, malnutrition or obesity may notice a disturbance in saliva production. Don't be shy about speaking with your doctor or dentist about any changes to saliva that you experience.
Best practices to battle dry mouth
Tired of feeling parched every time you try to have a conversation? Try these tips to tackle a pesky case of dry mouth, otherwise known as xerostomia:
• Chew sugar-free gum.
• Choose mouthwash containing xylitol.
• If you use tobacco, quit.
• Reduce your caffeine intake.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water.
• Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.
Janet Bilyeu, APRN, of Siloam Springs Family Medicine, is accepting new patients of all ages -- infants, children and adults. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule an appointment today, call 479-215-3035. Siloam Springs Family Medicine is located at 3721 E. U.S. 412 Hwy. in Siloam Springs. Walk-ins are welcome.
About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed-bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 50 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. SSRH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, the largest health system in Northwest Arkansas. Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.