We want to share with you important information about saliva and its relationship with dental health, especially with the prevention of cavities. Below, we explain how saliva works and why it is essential to keep your teeth healthy.
The composition of saliva
Saliva is a clear liquid composed mainly of water (99%) and a mixture of other organic and inorganic components (1%). This liquid serves several crucial functions in your mouth, such as aiding digestion and protecting your teeth against infection.
Types of saliva
There are 3 types of saliva that vary according to the components secreted by the salivary glands:
That produced by the parotid gland, is a thin, watery secretion rich in salivary amylase. It represents a minor part of the total volume of saliva.
The one produced by the minor glands, is thick and helps to protect the oral mucosa, especially when we consume acid or spicy foods that can irritate the mouth.
Saliva from the major and minor salivary glands contains a mixture of components, including crevicular fluid, cellular debris and microorganisms.
Protective mechanisms
Saliva protects your teeth through four main mechanisms:
- Sweeping and diluting effect: Saliva helps clean the mouth, removing food debris and sugars.
- Balance of demineralization and remineralization: Helps maintain a balance between mineral loss and gain in tooth enamel.
- Antimicrobial action: Contains components that fight bacteria, reducing the risk of infections.
- Buffer capacity: Helps maintain the pH of the mouth, neutralizing acids that can damage teeth.
Key information about your saliva
Knowing the different types of saliva and their functions helps you identify how you can improve your daily oral hygiene. For example, if you know you have a low saliva production, you can take additional steps to protect your teeth, such as drinking more water, using specific mouthwashes or even talking to us about treatments that stimulate saliva production.
Relationship between saliva type and tooth decay
The type and amount of saliva have a direct relationship with the risk of caries. A lower volume of saliva is often associated with a lower pH in the mouth, which increases the risk of caries formation. Maintaining good saliva production is crucial for dental health.
On the other hand, knowing that your saliva dilutes sugars and neutralizes acids can motivate you to maintain habits that promote its production and effectiveness. This includes a balanced diet, adequate hydration and regular dental visits. In addition, being informed about the pH of your saliva gives you an advantage in cavity prevention, as you can adjust your eating and hygiene habits to maintain a healthy oral environment.
So, paying attention to your saliva and understanding its importance provides you with valuable tools to take care of your teeth and gums. Remember, we are here to support you every step of the way to better oral health!
