Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Caries

Date Posted: 1/1/2002

Question Why is saliva important?

Answer Saliva is the best natural defense against decay. The acid from bacteria can be neutralised by saliva. A reduced flow of saliva (dry mouth) can increase your risk of decay. Causes might include: 1. Medications that you may be taking that may have a drying effect in the mouth 2. Excessive intake of caffeine. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks. It draws fluid from the body and reduces saliva. 3. Working in a dry environment and not rehydrating often enough 4. Some specific diseases or conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome If you have a constant dry mouth, you should consult your dentist to find the cause.

More questions in this category:

What is dental caries?
What causes dental caries?
How can you prevent dental caries?
Why is saliva important?
What happens when my saliva is not adequate?
How do dentists treat dental caries?
How important is my diet in preventing and treating dental caries?