Decoding the fundamental mechanisms of human salivary lubrication

A multi-scale study opens the door to advancing dry mouth therapies and saliva substitutes – potentially bringing relief to people who suffer from dry mouth, which can affect swallowing, speech, nutritional intake and quality of life

AN INTERDISCIPLINARY team of scientists led by the University of Leeds have uncovered the fundamental mechanism by which human saliva lubricates our mouth.

Their multi-scale study opens the door to advancing dry mouth therapies and saliva substitutes – potentially bringing relief to people who suffer from dry mouth, which can affect swallowing, speech, nutritional intake and quality of life.

Roughly 10 per cent of the general population and 30 per cent of older people suffer from dry mouth, which can be caused by prescribed poly medication, certain cancer treatments and autoimmune diseases.