As far as I can see you do need moisture to produce sound - saliva production is much worse when playing brass instruments - hence there are two water keys on most instruments, and the general advice is only to play with a wet mouth if you want a good sound (otherwise you cannot make full use of your embouchure - just like engines need oil) so I will be drinking water before and during playing, and always have a tea towel or similar on the floor below to catch moisture when I open a water key.
I did notice that my production of saliva was much greater when I started playing sax, but also now properly wet my reeds beforehand, and may therefore need to produce less of my own.
I would conclude that moisture is key to a good sound, and not primarily an occupational hazard.
Kind regards
Tom