Saliva substitutes are liquid or spray products that can help when the salivary glands in our mouth are no longer functioning properly. Saliva is essential for maintaining oral health, and when it’s lacking, it can lead to dryness of the mouth – known as xerostomia, or more commonly, dry mouth. This condition can cause not only discomfort and pain, but also real damage to teeth and gums due to the increased acidity of the oral pH.
Saliva: Why It Matters
Saliva plays a crucial role in the health of our mouth and our entire body.
Produced by the salivary glands located in different areas of the oral cavity, saliva’s first function is to keep oral tissues hydrated and to help maintain proper oral hygiene. Its composition makes it essential for balancing the mouth’s pH, which naturally tends to become more acidic in the presence of food debris and bacteria. By regulating pH, saliva helps limit the growth of bacteria responsible for plaque and cavities, keeping the mouth healthier.
Keeping the mucous membranes hydrated also protects them from minor injuries that can occur while chewing or swallowing.
But that’s not all! Thanks to its enzymes, saliva also plays an important role in digestion, and it allows us to taste flavors properly by helping transport molecules to the taste buds that detect them.
Saliva’s most sophisticated function, however, is maintaining and restoring the mouth’s proper pH. Because it contains bicarbonate, saliva acts as a natural buffer system.
When we eat, the oral pH becomes more acidic, but after about forty minutes saliva is able to neutralize it.
Why is this so important? Because an acidic mouth is not a healthy mouth: teeth can begin to demineralize, and harmful microorganisms can thrive, leading to uncomfortable and often painful conditions such as cavities or thrush.
What Happens When We Don’t Have Enough Saliva?
We’ve seen how important saliva is for our health. When the salivary glands don’t function properly and produce insufficient saliva, a condition known as xerostomia – or dry mouth – can occur. This is a common issue, affecting about 20% of the population. Women, particularly around menopause, are more often affected, but men are not exempt. There are many possible causes, from aging – which naturally slows down the glands’ activity – to the use of certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs as well as more common ones like antihistamines. Some medical conditions may also include xerostomia as a symptom.
Reduced saliva production can lead to difficulty swallowing and chewing, altered taste perception, and damage to teeth and gums.
In some cases, xerostomia can be prevented or alleviated with simple measures: limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, and drinking plenty of water all support oral health – and general well-being. Be cautious with harsh mouthwashes containing alcohol, as they can dry out the mucous membranes and contribute to dry mouth over time.
However, when xerostomia occurs, it’s important to take action and consult a doctor if the condition worsens.
Sometimes, the salivary glands simply need stimulation. In such cases, consuming foods that promote saliva production, such as lemon juice, or chewing xylitol gum can help.
In other situations, this may not be enough. Chronic xerostomia, or damage to the glands following certain medical treatments – such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy for head and neck cancers – may require the use of a saliva substitute.
Artificial Saliva
Saliva substitutes can help when the body doesn’t produce enough natural saliva.
These liquid or spray products are applied to the mucous membranes to mimic saliva’s effects, lubricating tissues and relieving the discomfort caused by dry mouth. Regular use helps maintain oral hydration, making swallowing easier and helping preserve the sense of taste.
Saliva substitutes are the closest available alternative to the complex and effective composition of natural saliva.
Today, there are many options, often available over the counter, providing temporary relief from dry mouth.
Most substitutes are water-based and include agents that replicate saliva’s texture.
Among these, Cariex® is a particularly effective option. It contains natural ingredients such as xylitol, hyaluronic acid, and bicarbonate. These components
The spray formulation makes Cariex® easy to use – just a few seconds are enough to relieve dry mouth. Its consistency is designed to adhere to the mucous membranes, offering long-lasting relief. This innovation addresses one of the main limitations of saliva substitutes: the need for frequent applications to maintain effectiveness.