Dry Mouth
Oral dryness is a complex condition, often underestimated and particularly frustrating for those who experience it. It is very common among older adults, especially women, affecting about a quarter of the population.
Saliva plays a fundamental role in many processes: it not only keeps the mouth moist, but also aids in food digestion, protects teeth from decay, prevents infections by controlling oral bacteria, and enables proper chewing and swallowing.
The Importance of Saliva
An adult produces about two liters of saliva per day; without it, normal daily life would be difficult.
Saliva is composed of 98% water, which performs essential functions such as forming the food bolus, aiding swallowing, lubrication, cleaning, taste perception, and protecting the mouth from extreme temperatures.
The remaining 2% consists of enzymes and electrolytes vital for oral health. These include: Amylase and Lipase, essential for the initial phase of digestion in the mouth, Lysozyme, which has antibacterial properties, and Bicarbonate, which plays a key role in maintaining a neutral oral pH (buffer system).
It is therefore clear that a reduced saliva flow can have serious consequences beyond just dry mouth, including difficulty or pain when swallowing and poor digestion.
The greater the reduction in saliva, the more damage occurs in the oral cavity. Without the buffering action of bicarbonate, the mouth becomes acidic, creating an ideal environment for fungi and bacteria that can lead to ulcers, canker sores, stomatitis, gum inflammation, oral thrush, bad breath, and cavities.
Symptoms and Causes
This problem can range from a mild, temporary reduction in saliva flow – caused by stress, anxiety, nervousness, or excessive alcohol consumption – to more severe conditions affecting oral health, including the gums, mucous membranes, and teeth.
Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, is often a symptom of various conditions affecting the salivary glands and their ability to produce saliva. Although no direct link has been scientifically established between aging and reduced saliva, there is a clear connection between certain medications and reduced saliva flow in older adults.
Several diseases, such as Sjögren’s Syndrome, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are associated with Xerostomia, as are individuals undergoing radiotherapy.
Remedies
Treatments for xerostomia can include medications that increase saliva flow, provided there is still some gland function, often combined with the use of saliva substitutes.
Among these, Cariex®, a completely natural dental spray containing Bicarbonate, Xylitol, and Hyaluronic Acid, developed in collaboration with the University of Insubria in Varese, stands out as an ideal saliva substitute capable of providing the essential buffering action in cases of Xerostomia.
Bicarbonate, naturally present in saliva, helps counteract acidity and maintain a neutral oral pH. Xylitol, also known as wood sugar, benefits teeth by reducing plaque formation and inhibiting bacterial growth. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent lubricant and humectant, ideal for treating inflammation and oral lesions (canker sores, stomatitis).
It is recommended to apply 4/5 sprays of Cariex® in the mouth several times a day and as needed whenever dry mouth occurs. Its use is especially advised before bedtime, as saliva production naturally decreases at night, making the mouth more prone to dryness and an unpleasant taste.