
Regular Pediatric
When it comes to oral hygiene, perhaps the first things that’ll cross your mind are brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly. But sometimes the most underappreciated aspect of your oral health is saliva. Because saliva is vital for mouth health, it helps you understand its functions and the importance of good oral hygiene as explained by a dentist in Westminster. This natural oral health ally is worth noting for residents of Westminster.
What is Saliva?
Saliva is a clear, watery substance that is made by the salivary glands inside your mouth. This includes the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, as well as many hundreds of smaller glands that surround the oral cavity. A healthy adult produces around 0.5 to 1.5 liters of saliva daily. Although a relatively simple substance, saliva is rich in enzymes, minerals, proteins, and antimicrobial agents that promote any number of factors related to oral and overall health.
Salivary Functions in Oral Hygiene
- Natural Cleaning Agent: Saliva constantly washes over your teeth, gums, and oral tissues to help rinse away food particles and debris. This action helps clean and remove plaque that, if left to build up, can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Balancing Oral pH: Saliva keeps a neutral pH in your mouth by buffering acids produced by bacteria and food. Acidic conditions wear away tooth enamel, leaving it vulnerable to decay. By neutralizing these acids, your saliva helps protect your teeth from damage.
- Enhancing Enamel Remineralization: Saliva also contains calcium, phosphate, and fluoride — key minerals for remineralizing tooth enamel. This process—known as remineralization—naturally helps repair minor damage and strengthens teeth against future wear.
- Lubrication: A wet mouth is a healthy mouth. Saliva also lubricates the oral tissues, minimizing textile friction and preventing problems such as dry mouth, cracks in the lips, and the inability to swallow. And most importantly, adequate lubrication helps to speak and eat comfortably and efficiently.
- Antibacterial Properties: Saliva is also rich in antimicrobial proteins and enzymes, including lysozyme, lactoferrin, and peroxidase, that help regulate the destructive bacteria in the oral cavity. This lowers the risk of infections, halitosis, and oral diseases.
- Aiding Digestion: Saliva has enzymes such as amylase and lipase, which begin breaking down carbohydrates and fats. Digestion starts in the mouth, and saliva helps break down food particles before they enter the stomach.
Effects of a Lack of Saliva
A lack of saliva production can lead to xerostomia or dry mouth. This may also greatly affect oral health and general health. Dehydration, medications, certain medical conditions, and aging are common causes.
Common symptoms of dry mouth may include:
- Greater likelihood of cavities and gum disease
- Persistent bad breath
- Trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- Sore or cracked oral tissues
If you have a dry mouth, you need to see a dentist so that they can determine the cause and recommend a course of treatment.
Here Are Ways to Support Healthy Saliva Production
- Drink water: Keep your body and salivary glands hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
- Sugar-Free gum: Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow. Choose sugar-free to prevent tooth decay.
- Eat A Balanced Diet Foods: High in fiber like fruit and vegetables can aid saliva production. Limit the intake of sugary or acidic food and drinks.
- Saliva Substitutes If you have an ongoing dry mouth, saliva substitutes and oral moisturizers can help. Opt for alcohol-free, pH-balanced products.
Final Thoughts
Saliva is a superhero of your mouth that you may not know you need, a partner in your dental health protecting your teeth, gums, and general oral health. Understanding the importance of saliva and taking steps to support its healthy production is a step that residents of Westminster can take to enjoy auspicious oral hygiene and general well-being. Be sure to talk to your local Westminster dentist about saliva production or dry mouth concerns so your smile stays happy and bright!