25
Oct
The Role of Saliva in Oral Health: It’s More Important Than You Think!
If you are like most people, you probably don’t think too much about saliva. This clear, watery fluid provides several functions for optimal oral and overall health. A Dental & Denture in Seattle, Washington, explores the role of saliva in your dental health and why it deserves more attention in your dental care routine.
What is saliva?
It’s the watery, clear fluid produced by the salivary glands in your mouth. It contains 99% water, electrolytes, enzymes, antibacterial properties, mucus, and various proteins. Actions like chewing, tasting food, and even thinking about food can trigger saliva production. Now you know where the term “mouth-watering” originated from!
What is the importance of saliva?
Saliva may seem like a simple bodily fluid, but it plays a critical role in maintaining your oral health, comfort, and digestion. Here’s how:
- Natural cleansing agent: Saliva washes away food debris and harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque. Eliminating plaque minimizes the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
- PH regulation: Saliva helps neutralize acids after drinks and foods. A neutral PH is ideal for optimal oral health, as an acidic environment promotes enamel erosion and harmful bacterial growth.
- Taste perception: Taste buds don’t work alone—they rely on saliva to dissolve food particles and carry them to the taste receptors. Without enough saliva, your sense of taste becomes dull or distorted, which can affect your appetite and enjoyment of food.
- Antibacterial properties: Saliva contains enzymes and antibodies that fight harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This helps keep your oral microbiome balanced and shields against infections like thrush and gum disease.
- Digestion: Digestion starts in the mouth. Saliva contains enzymes like amylase that help break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars before they reach the stomach.
- Comfort: Saliva keeps the inside of your mouth moist and comfortable, helping you speak, swallow, and move your tongue and lips freely.
Saliva isn’t just spit—it’s your body’s first line of defense for oral health and a key player in digestion. It cleans, protects, balances, lubricates, and even enhances your sense of taste. When saliva production is disrupted (as in dry mouth or certain medical conditions), it can lead to discomfort, bad breath, increased tooth decay, and trouble eating or speaking.
What can affect saliva production?
Although most people produce adequate saliva, some experience dry mouth—also known as xerostomia—due to reduced saliva flow. Common causes of dry mouth include:
- Reduced water/fluid intake
- Medical conditions like diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome
- Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants and antihistamines
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Medical procedures like radiation therapy
- Aging
If you notice dry mouth, certain factors can help boost saliva production. Increase water intake and consider sugarless gum and crunchy fruits or veggies that promote saliva production. Additionally, quit tobacco use and manage underlying conditions that increase the risk of dry mouth.
Ready to talk to your Seattle dentist?
Saliva is essential in maintaining optimal oral health and overall well-being. If you notice dry mouth or changes in saliva production, call (206) 445-0030 and talk to A Dental & Denture. Let’s help keep your smile healthy and confident!
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Angelica P. Summer, DPD, has been a Licensed Denturist in Seattle, Washington, since 1996. She has owned and operated A Dental and Denture in North Seattle since 1999. She completed her education at the University of the East and specializes in creating all types of dentures while you wait. Angelica is an active member of the Washington Denturist Association, National Denturist Association, and International Federation of Denturists.
Fawaz Hatem, BDS, MSD, is an Oral Medicine Specialist with over 20 years of experience. He completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Baghdad, Iraq, and obtained a Master’s degree from the UW School of Dentistry and further training from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Dr. Hatem has specialized training in Invisalign orthodontic treatment, sleep dentistry, teeth whitening, and administering Botox and dermal filler injections to enhance facial aesthetics and relieve TMJ symptoms. He is proficient in Arabic and English.
Dental Implant Specialist Kevin La, DDS, received his doctorate from UCLA School of Dentistry and his postgraduate qualification – an AEGD certificate – from the UPenn School of Dental Medicine. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is now a mentor for Associate Fellow Candidates. He is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry. The latter designation is the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Dr. La serves as a mentor in study clubs and implant training courses. He is now in the teaching faculty at the Pacific Implant Academy (PIA) and co-director for the PIA Implant Live Surgery Course in Tijuana, Mexico.
All providers have years of experience and expertise in their respective areas and are focused on continuing education to provide the best services for their patients. They aim to bring beautiful, healthy smiles to everyone in Seattle, WA.