[2] Saliva also contains digestive enzymes (e.g. salivary amylase), has antimicrobial action, and acts as a buffer.

[3] Salivary-gland dysfunction occurs when salivary rates are reduced; this can cause xerostomia (dry mouth).

[5] They include: Salivary gland dysfunction affects the flow, amount, or quality of saliva produced.

Hyposalivation often results in a dry mouth condition called xerostomia, and this can cause tooth decay due to the loss of the protective properties of saliva.

First, reduced saliva secretion may impair the oral and airway mucosal surface as a physical barrier, which consequently enhances the adhesion and colonization of viruses.

[17] Affected individuals may "milk" the salivary gland to encourage flow of saliva through the duct.