The Secrets Of Saliva – Solving Dry Mouth

The presence of saliva in the mouth is essential for oral health.  In addition to assisting speech and eating, saliva has many other functions including neutralisation of acid, control of the oral microbiome, remineralisation of enamel and facilitation of taste. This presentation will describe where saliva comes from, what is in it, the causes of reduced production, what are the consequences of low salivary flow on oral health and what can be done to minimise the adverse impact.

Outcome:

To ensure staff working in health and social care receive learning disability and autism training, at the right level for their role to promote the best outcomes for patients

Aims:

The aim of this webinar is to provide dental care professionals with an overview of the salivary glands and saliva.  The material will focus on the production and functions of saliva., in particular the oral consequences of reduced salivary flow.  In addition, the presentation will  demonstrate how oral health products can minimise the adverse effects of dry mouth in order to enhance patient management and improve outcome.

Learning objectives

• To have contemporary knowledge of the production and functions of saliva
• Have knowledge of the oral signs and symptoms of reduced salivary flow
• To be aware of healthcare products available to minimise the adverse effects of dry mouth

This talk satisfies the GDC’s learning outcome:

C – Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within your field of practice

Professor Michael A. O. Lewis PhD, FDSRCPS, FDSRCS (Eng), FRCPath, FFGDP(UK), FHEA, Emeritus Professor, Cardiff University

Biography

Professor Mike Lewis is Emeritus Professor of Oral Medicine, Cardiff University.  He has served in a number of senior professional positions within the UK, including Dean of the School of Dentistry at Cardiff University, Dean of the Dental Faculty of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow, Director of the Clinical Board for Dentistry, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, President of the British Society for Oral Medicine and President of the British Society for Oral & Dental Research.   He has published over 200 scientific articles and co-authored six medical textbooks.  In addition, he has delivered more than 700 invited postgraduate lectures worldwide. Professor Lewis was awarded the John Tomes Medal in 2023 by the British Dental Association for outstanding scientific contribution to the dental profession.