What it means
Spit. Three pairs of salivary glands make about 1 to 1.5 liters a day. Saliva wets food so it can be chewed and swallowed, starts breaking down starch, helps with taste, and protects the teeth. Too little causes a dry mouth (xerostomia), common with many drugs and radiation to the head and neck. Too much, or drooling, can happen when swallowing is weak.
For the nurse
Clients with a dry mouth benefit from frequent sips of water, sugar-free gum or candy and good mouth care. A client who cannot manage their saliva is at risk of aspirationas-puh-RAY-shunBreathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.Full entry .
At a glance
| Everyday words | spit |
|---|---|
| Spanish | saliva |
| Also written | salivation |
Related terms
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
xer/o
A word root that means dry.