Do you usually have a dry mouth or bad breath? What about cracked lips, the skin splitting at the corners of your mouth or a frequent sore throat? If you answered “yes,” you may suffer from xerostomia, a condition caused by a lack of saliva. Commonly known as “dry mouth,” it makes swallowing, speaking and occasionally tasting food more difficult. It can also lead to tooth decay and plaque. Saliva plays an important role in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. It protects your teeth’s enamel by neutralizing harmful acids, and rinses food debris away from both teeth and the gums. Without saliva, pieces of food, plaque and acid build up in your mouth, leading to tooth decay. Talk us at your next appointment if you suffer from dry mouth. We care about your health, and can help.