ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY MAY LEAD TO NEW TREATMENT FOR MOUTH DRYNESS

Along with being generally uncomfortable, chronic mouth dryness can also negatively affect a person's general health, the health of their teeth, and gums and their ability to taste, chew and swallow food. It can be caused by various medical conditions treatment regimes and medications, or it may simply occur as part of the aging process. Regardless, of the cause, inflammation of the salivary glands is often a major contributing factor. 

Inflammation is also a problem in bacterial lung infections, which is why scientists at the University of South Alabama were recently looking at ways of reducing it. More specifically, they were using a drug known as roflumilast to inhibit the activity of inflammation. Led by doctoral candidate Abigail Boyd. 

The researchers were surprised to discover that the medication caused increased salivation in the animals. Further analysis revealed that this was due to the inhibition of PD34 in the salivary glands and in the autonomic nervous system, the latter of which regulates involuntary body processes.

The additional experiment showed that PDE4 inhibition also increased salivation in mice with cystic fibrosis, a disease in which inflammation not only affects patientss' ability to breath but also frequently gives them a dry mouth. 

'' Saliva, while often taken back for granted, is indispensable for oral health and overall well;l-being. New ways to treat dry mouth are needed since treatment options are currently limited.