Saliva enhances your ability to taste and swallow, and helps prevent tooth decay by neutralising acids produced by bacteria. It also washes away food particles left in the mouth after eating.

Dry mouth, also known as, xerostomia, is a common condition that occurs when your mouth is unusually dry. This is a result of the salivary glands found in your mouth producing less saliva than normal. This could be one of the side effects of certain medications.

In some instances, it can be something trivial; however, in other cases it can have a major impact on your general health and the health of your teeth, as well as your appetite and enjoyment of food. Treatment for dry mouth depends on the cause.

If you’re not producing enough saliva, you may notice these signs and symptoms all or most of the time: