It is saliva important for our oral health?

Salivary glands play an important role in our oral health, helping to maintain the health of soft and hard tissues in the mouth.
Saliva is a liquid mostly made of water, but also filled with minerals, electrolytes and proteins that your body needs to digest foodand keep your teeth h4. Saliva also decreases the acid level in your mouth, a process that protect your teeth enamel and also prevents dental cavities.

The role of saliva:

 Saliva contributes to the dilution of sugars after food and drinks consumption.

• Saliva has antimicrobial activity, it protects gums from bacteria.
• Saliva neutralizes acid production and contributes to the enamel’s remineralisation with calcium and phosphates. It helps prevent tooth decay.
• The enzymes found in saliva dissolve food as you eat and ensures that food is easily digested.
• Saliva keeps your mouth moist.
• Saliva fights germs in your mouth and prevents halitosis.
• Saliva prevents dry mouth – when you feel your mouth dry, you can quickly produce saliva by chewing sugarless gum, eating something or drinking plenty of water. If you are taking some medications with dry mouth as a side effect, please contact your doctor to search for possible solutions. If dry mouth persists, your doctor may recommend you artificial saliva (a liquid or spray).

The salivary glands are found inside each cheek, at the bottom of your mouth, and near your front teeth by the jaw bone.
Bellow you can find some other interesting facts about saliva:

• The salivary glands produce on average about a quart of liquid a day, enough to fill two medium-sized bathtubs a year. But saliva production varies from person to person and it also depends on the moment of the day. You produce less saliva when you are sleeping or you are dehydrated.
• Mucins (protein molecules) are the lubricating components in saliva. Mucins help you chew, speak and swallow.
• Saliva contains antibodies that fight germs, along with substances that promote skin cell growth and blood clotting. This is why wounds in the mouth usually stop bleeding and heal faster.
• Saliva production decreases when you are nervous or frightened. Smoking or breathing through your mouth will also reduce the level of saliva in your mouth.

As a conclusion, saliva plays an important role in the health of our teeth, mouth and gums.  In order to have a good oral health, we must be sure that our mouth is enough hydrated. In case you may experience problems with dry mouth or you need more information related to this topic, do not hesitate to call Dr.Arhiri.

References:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/salivary-glands-and-oral-health-0416
https://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam2015123
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-saliva#1
https://www.listerine.com/gum-disease-healthy-gums/about-saliva-oral-health
https://www.medicaldaily.com/your-saliva-says-lot-about-your-health-heres-what-look-295506
https://www.dentalhealth.ie/dentalhealth/teeth/saliva1.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285285.php
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/preventive-care/slideshow/9-facts-about-saliva