From spit pacts to spit takes, saliva often gets a bad rap for being another bodily fluid we’d rather ignore. Spit, however, plays an important role in oral health and our everyday lives. Most people have a healthy amount of the stuff. Sure, everyone experiences a dry, saliva-less mouth from time to time, but it’s usually nothing to worry about.

When does not having enough saliva become a problem? When a person suffers from a medical condition called xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth. Find out if your lack of saliva is a temporary issue or a serious problem.

Dry mouth is defined as a condition in which a person doesn’t have enough saliva to maintain a wet and moisturized mouth. The symptoms include the obvious (a dry, sticky or burning sensation in the mouth, a dry, tough tongue and cracked lips) to the not-so-obvious (mouth sores, gum irritation, bad breath and more frequent tooth decay). This is because saliva is important for a heathy mouth.

While saliva is 99 percent water, the calcium, fluoride and phosphate in drool strengthens teeth, protecting them against cavity-causing bacteria. It even makes food taste better by lubricating the food you eat. Chewing can help replenish saliva supply. This is why sugar-free chewing gum is often a dentist-approved treat. Spit also prevents plaque buildup and shields enamel from acidic foods. It’s not a replacement for biannual trips to the dentist, but saliva is a great defender against everyday assaults against oral health.

Dry mouth can occur when the mouth’s glands aren’t working properly, and saliva production is reduced. There are many causes, including stress, nervousness and aging. A variety of medications also have dry mouth as a side effect. While adjusting your medication dosage will require a trip to the doctor, there are several ways to minimize the effects of dry mouth.

Start by sipping water or sugarless drinks (like herbal tea) frequently throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as well as spicy and salty foods. These beverages and foods tend to have a drying effect. Use a humidifier at night to keep things moisturized and be sure to chew on some sugarless gum to increase saliva production. Most importantly, talk to a professional about this issue. Your dentist will be able to help you reduce and prevent dry mouth, protecting your teeth, gums and overall oral health for years to come.

It goes without saying that regular dental checkups and cleanings are the best way to keep your grin looking its best. For the latest and best information about your specific needs, talk to your dentist. A professional can help you determine what procedures to schedule and how to maintain good oral health and a brilliant smile outside the office.