In this post from Future of Dentistry, we are going to review the complexity and importance of your saliva.
Don’t be squeamish! Your saliva is a finely balanced body fluid that not only helps maintains dental health but also helps with the digestion of your food.
So, without further ado, here are the main components of saliva.
- Water. No surprise here! Your saliva is comprised of water, for the most part.
- Enzymes. Enzymes are important biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
- Immunoproteins. These are powerful cells that fight invaders, such as bacteria. The immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is crucial for avoiding gingivitis and keeping the appropriate pH balance in the mouth.
- Minerals. Saliva minerals aid in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.
Most people produce enough saliva, but some suffer from a condition called dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. Dry mouth can be dangerous to your dental health, so be sure to speak with us if you are experiencing this.
Other factors can affect the quantity and quality of your saliva. These include the food and drinks you consume, as well as medications you take, even over-the-counter meds. Future of Dentistry’s team is always happy to discuss your unique oral care needs and risk factors. At your next cleaning and checkup, please ask us!
Saliva is also a powerful diagnostic tool. Future of Dentistry can use cutting-edge technology to determine whether you’re at risk for HPV-related oral cancers, periodontal disease, and even diabetes. For patients with persistent periodontal disease (advanced gum disease), we offer microbial testing that identifies the root causes of the condition. This allows us to resolve perio disease that doesn’t respond normally to traditional treatment.
At Future of Dentistry, we are committed to the dental health of every patient. Services include general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Call us for an appointment today!
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