Saliva is Essential for Good Oral Health
Saliva is a fluid produced by the salivary glands inside the mouth. Three major salivary glands are found inside the cheeks, beneath the tongue, and near the jawbone. Saliva is mostly made of water, mucus, proteins, electrolytes, and a mix of white blood and epithelial cells. Each of these components performs an essential function in keeping your teeth and mouth healthy. When you eat bread, rice, or a juicy steak, the enzymes amylase and lipases found in saliva plays an essential role in predigesting starches and fats. Not only does saliva help predigest foods, but the mucus in saliva also protects the teeth and mouth from drying. Saliva mucus lubricates food and aids swallowing to pass food easily from the mouth to the esophagus. Moreover, the electrolytes calcium and phosphate ions found in saliva slows demineralization of tooth structure and promotes enamel remineralization.
How saliva fights germs inside your mouth
When we consider the types of foods we eat, the mouth is a perfect incubator for bacteria. The mouth is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and grow because there is plenty of food, and the temperature inside the mouth is conducive for bacterial growth. Then why is it that our mouth is not overgrown with bacteria? As previously mentioned, saliva is a complex mixture of proteins and cells. Saliva not only helps you swallow foods but also protects the mouth and teeth from bacteria. Research has shown that saliva protects against tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. Saliva works as a buffer to neutralize the acids that are produced by bacteria. The antibacterial compounds such as thiocyanate and hydrogen peroxide found in saliva help kill bacteria. In addition, enzymes called lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, and immunoglobulin A works to kill the bacteria by rupturing the bacteria cell or target that bacteria to by destroy by the immune system. It’s incredible how saliva fights bacteria inside the mouth through different mechanisms.
Saliva moistens the mouth for comfort and neutralizes harmful germs and bacteria. It promotes a healthy mouth by preventing bad breath and defends against tooth decay and gum disease. If you feel your mouth is dry or do not have enough saliva, consider visiting your dentist. Make a regular appointments with your dentist will help identify dental problems before they become significant. Be sure to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 for your appointment.
