• What is Dry Mouth
• Functions of Saliva
• Signs of Dry Mouth
• The Leading Cause of Dry Mouth – Medications

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What is Dry Mouth in Pets

Just like people, pets get Dry Mouth too. Xerostomia, aka Dry Mouth, is an oral health condition whereby saliva loses its protective benefits due to decreased quality or quantity. 

This is a leading cause of bad pet breath, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Dry Mouth can occur as pets age, develop certain health problems, or take medications. Medications are the leading cause of Dry Mouth in your furry friend.

 

Dry Mouth Explained

Dry Mouth is frequently overlooked in dogs and cats. For some pet owners, it may never occur to them that their pet’s bad breath is due to Dry Mouth because their pet may still drool. Dry Mouth in a pet doesn’t necessarily mean a pet’s mouth is without saliva or completely dry but rather is often due to reduced flow or quality. 

It is also normal for every mouth to contain certain amounts of bacteria. It’s when the bacteria levels accumulate beyond what is manageable that creates an unpleasant smell. It is also when bacteria linger and multiply that result in the development of plaque biofilm. Plaque, is the sticky film you can feel on teeth that can harden and becomes tartar. 

The negative impact of Dry Mouth can have a domino effect which can lead to decay, painful chewing, inflamed gums, or even tooth loss.

What are the Functions of Healthy Saliva

The mouth has a natural protective antibacterial and physiological system and healthy saliva possesses many important functions, including:

• Aiding in digestion
• Control of pH
• Removal of food particles
• Antimicrobial activity
• Maintaining moisture integrity
• Remineralization of the teeth

 

What are the signs to watch for?

• Bad breath
• Thick, tacky saliva
• Dry cracked tongue
• Plaque & calculus accumulation
• Ulceration or mouth lesions
• Inflamed or bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Food aversions