What Saliva Really Does (and Why You’d Miss It if It Were Gone)

Most people don’t think twice about saliva. It’s just “there,” quietly doing its job in the background. But the truth is, saliva is one of the most important parts of a healthy mouth — and you’d notice very quickly if it suddenly disappeared. From protecting your teeth to helping you enjoy food, saliva plays a far bigger role in your daily comfort and dental health than most people realise.

Understanding what saliva actually does can help you recognise when something isn’t quite right and when it may be time to come and see us.

Saliva: More Than Just Moisture

Saliva is made up of water, enzymes, proteins, minerals, and electrolytes — all working together to keep your mouth functioning properly. You produce around one to two litres of saliva a day, with production increasing when you eat and decreasing while you sleep.

Although we rarely think about it, saliva performs several essential roles from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to bed.

1. Saliva Protects Your Teeth 24/7

Every time you eat or drink, especially sugary or acidic foods, bacteria in your mouth produce acids that soften enamel. Saliva acts as a natural buffer by:

• Neutralising acids
• Diluting sugars
• Washing away food particles
• Replenishing minerals like calcium and phosphate

This constant balancing act is what helps prevent cavities. Without saliva, enamel would erode at a much faster rate, making teeth far more vulnerable to damage.

2. Saliva Helps You Chew and Swallow

Saliva moistens food, making it easier to break down and swallow. Without enough saliva, Chewing becomes difficult, bread feels dry, and swallowing can feel sticky or uncomfortable.

People with reduced saliva often describe meals as frustrating or tiring because food simply doesn’t move around the way it should. Moisture is what turns chewing from a chore into something smooth and natural.

3. It Makes Taste Possible

Saliva dissolves the chemicals in food so your taste buds can detect flavours. Without it, food becomes bland or dull, and subtle flavours disappear altogether.

A lack of saliva doesn’t just impact enjoyment; it can also affect appetite. People with dry mouth (xerostomia) often lose interest in food because it no longer tastes the same.

4. Saliva Supports Healthy Digestion

Digestion doesn’t begin in the stomach — it starts in your mouth, thanks to enzymes in saliva. These enzymes begin breaking down starches before you even swallow, helping your digestive system work more efficiently.

If saliva flow is reduced, the digestive process can become less effective from the very first step.

5. It Keeps Soft Tissues Healthy

The inside of your mouth is lined with delicate tissue that’s constantly exposed to friction, temperature changes, and bacteria. Saliva protects these tissues by:

• Keeping them moist
• Preventing irritation
• Providing antibacterial properties
• Supporting healing

This is why dry mouth often leads to mouth ulcers, cracking at the corners of the lips, or a burning sensation on the tongue.

6. Saliva Is the Body’s Natural Self-Cleaning System

Think of saliva as your mouth’s daily housekeeping team. It washes away:

• Dead cells
• Food debris
• Bacteria
• Acid
• Odour-causing particles

When saliva levels drop, breath odour becomes stronger, plaque builds up faster, and the risk of gum irritation increases.

Why You’d Miss Saliva if It Were Gone

Most people don’t realise how vital saliva is until they experience a lack of it. Symptoms of reduced saliva (dry mouth) can include:

• Constant thirst
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Dry lips or tongue
• Thick or stringy saliva
• Cracked corners of the mouth
• Bad breath
• A burning sensation in the mouth
• Increased cavities or sensitivity
• Waking during the night needing water

Dry mouth can significantly affect quality of life, making eating, speaking, and even sleeping uncomfortable.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

There are several common causes, including:

• Medications (many blood pressure, allergy, anxiety, and pain medications)
• Dehydration
• Stress and anxiety
• Mouth breathing
• Smoking or vaping
• Certain medical conditions
• Age-related changes
• Radiation therapy to the head or neck

Identifying the cause is the first step in finding the right solution.

How to Support Healthy Saliva Flow

The good news is that there are simple ways to support saliva production and protect your teeth:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva
• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol
• Use saliva substitutes if recommended
• Keep your mouth hydrated overnight
• Avoid smoking
• Keep sugary and acidic foods to mealtimes

If dry mouth is persistent, it’s important to come and see us so we can assess the cause and suggest tailored options to protect your teeth and gums.

If Your Mouth Feels Dry, Come and See Us

Saliva is one of your mouth’s greatest protectors, and life becomes surprisingly uncomfortable when it’s missing. If you’ve noticed dryness, changes in taste, difficulty swallowing, or an increase in sensitivity or cavities, come and see us. We can help uncover what’s causing the issue and give you practical, effective ways to restore comfort and protect your smile.