Role Of Saliva In Maintaining Your Oral Health

If you’re like the majority of people, saliva isn’t something you think about very often. Even so, the clear liquid that most people take for granted can have a big impact on your oral health. Serious oral health issues, such as infections and dental cavities, are more likely to develop when there isn’t enough saliva in your mouth. Our dentists at South Airdrie Smiles always try to inform people about various topics regarding oral care. Keeping this in mind, we have come up with the importance of saliva in maintaining proper oral health. Go through this blog and draw an end to any confusion regarding this topic. 

What Is Saliva?

Saliva is a water-based secretion that is 99 percent water. Other substances found in saliva include proteins, electrolytes, mucus, minerals, and amylase, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of starches.

It is produced by small glands that can be found throughout the mouth. Saliva is carried to your mouth cavity through small passageways or ducts as it is created. The principal saliva-producing glands are found below the mandible, on the sides of the jaws, and beneath the tongue.

The salivary glands, often known as salivary glands, can be encouraged to generate more saliva. As you chew or consume, your mouth creates more saliva. Furthermore, the mere notion of food may cause more saliva to be produced. It was here that the word “mouth-watering” was coined.

Know The Benefits Of Saliva

• Your oral health is protected by saliva – Your teeth are better protected when you have enough saliva in your mouth. Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth deterioration. Bacterial acid is the cause of tooth decay. The acid destroys the enamel of the teeth, causing important minerals to dissolve. The pH of acid is low. The pH of alkaline substances, on the other hand, is greater. Saliva contains bicarbonate, an alkaline chemical that helps balance the pH of the mouth cavity and reduces the harm caused by oral acids.

• Saliva has antimicrobial properties – Saliva has antimicrobial properties. It prevents some oral bacteria from developing by breaking down their cell membranes.

• Saliva has the ability to remineralize tooth enamel – Acids dissolve minerals like calcium and phosphorus from the tooth enamel. Saliva can aid in the reassimilation of minerals by the teeth. In the presence of fluoride, the remineralization of the teeth is accelerated, as the displaced minerals are drawn back to the enamel. Always remember that damage to the tooth enamel is considered the first step for dental cavities or tooth decay.

• The soft tissues are lubricated by saliva – Saliva lubricates the mouth’s soft tissues, making them more comfortable. Because little amounts of saliva are constantly produced in a healthy mouth, this lubrication remains steady.

• Sugar is diluted by saliva – Simple sugars are the primary source of energy for many oral bacteria. Saliva can help to dilute carbohydrates, making them less accessible to oral bacteria.

A Dry Mouth Can Lead To Various Problems

Dry mouth is a problem that affects some people. This is commonly caused by a lack of saliva. Dry mouth, commonly known as xerostomia, can be linked to other systemic illnesses including diabetes. Radiation treatments and certain drugs are two more conditions that might cause dry mouth

A dry mouth can cause a variety of issues. Here are a few examples:

• Fungal infections – Histatin, an antifungal agent, is one of the components of saliva.

• Bacterial infections – Bacterial growth can accelerate without saliva’s antibiotic function, leading to an increase in mouth infections.

• Periodontal problems – Oral acids that aren’t diluted can irritate the gums more quickly.

• Tooth decay – More enamel degradation occurs when salivary bicarbonate is not present to neutralize bacterial acids.

• Indigestion – The appropriate breakdown of meals and snacks may not occur without proper moistening of the food and the enzymatic action of amylase on dietary carbohydrates. As a result, stomach problems may arise.

Tips To Resolve The Problems Related To A Dry Mouth

Now that you have understood the importance of saliva and the issues associated with the lack of saliva. We are going to provide you with tips to resolve the problem. 

• To produce an acceptable volume of saliva, proper hydration is required. The predominant component of the secretion is water.
• Examine your medication’s negative effects and speak with your dentist about possible alternatives for medications that can contribute to a dry mouth.
• Chewing sugarless gum causes more saliva to be produced.
• Some prescription mouth rinses are intended to keep your mouth moist.
• Dry mouth is a side effect of drinking alcohol. It’s advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages and mouthwashes that include alcohol.
• Also, give up smoking (if you are a smoker).

We hope that going through this blog has helped you to gather detailed knowledge regarding the link between oral health and saliva. Book an appointment with South Airdrie Smiles if you are looking for the best dental care in Airdrie, AB. Call us to schedule a visit.