Dampak xerostomia terhadap karies gigi
S aliva berperan penting untuk kesehatan mulut dengan menjaga pH netral,melindungi jaringan mulut terhadap serangan mikroorganisme, remineralisasi gigi,memfasilitasi penelanan dan pencernaan melalui enzim khusus, dan berperan sebagaipelarut untuk rangsangan rasa. Ketika aliran saliva berkurang, maka akan munculkekacauan dalam tubuh misalnya xerostomia atau kekeringan mulut. Individu denganxerostomia sering mengeluh karena bermasalah waktu makan, berbicara, menelan.dan memakai gigi palsu. Ketiadaan saliva mengubah lingkungan mulut danmenaikkan resiko berkembangnya karies gigi dan infeksi jamur.
S aliva plays a significant role in oral health by maintaining a neutral pH, protectingoral tissue against invasion by microorganisms, remineralizing the dentition,facilitating swallowing and digestion by lubrication through special enzymes, andacting as solvent for the taste stimuli. When salivary flow is diminished, it mayexpressed disorder in the form of xerostomia or oral dryness. Individuals withxerostomia often complain of problems with eating, speaking, swallowing andwearing dentures. The absence of saliva alters the oral environment and increases therisk of developing dental caries and fungal infections.