Saliva is an essential, yet often overlooked, component of oral health. From digestion to keeping your mouth clean to protecting your teeth from decay, it does more than you may have realized. Without it, you’re at risk of bad breath, cavities, and difficulty swallowing.
At the office of Eric Felt DDS, we want our patients to understand every factor that influences their oral health, helping them protect their smiles and achieve their goals. That’s why we’re presenting this guide to saliva, its role in oral health, and the impacts of dry mouth.
Understanding the Basics
Saliva is made of water, enzymes, proteins, minerals, and antibacterial agents. It is produced in the salivary glands, which are located under the tongue, in front of the ears, and under the lower jaw. Most adults produce between 0.5 and 1.5 liters each day.
The automatic nervous system controls automatic body functions that are necessary for survival, including salivation. Additionally, certain foods — especially sour ones — can increase saliva production, diluting the acid to help prevent enamel erosion.
Essential Functions of Saliva in Oral Health
Let’s take a look at saliva’s essential functions in oral health:
Moistening and Lubrication
Saliva keeps the mouth comfortable and aids in speaking and swallowing. It prevents dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and increase your risk of certain oral health issues.
Food Breakdown and Digestion
We typically think of the digestive system as the stomach and intestines. However, digestion actually starts at the mouth. Saliva contains enzymes like amylase that begin breaking down food as soon as you start chewing. Additionally, it helps in the formation of a food bolus — a semi-solid mass of food — for easier swallowing.
Washing Away Food Debris and Bacteria
Once you’ve chewed and swallowed, saliva continues playing a vital role. It helps clear away leftover food particles and bacteria that could lead to plaque formation. By reducing bacterial growth, it helps you have fresher breath and reduces your risk of gum disease and cavities.
Tooth Protection and Remineralization
Another of saliva’s important jobs is to neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities. Plus, it contains minerals like calcium and phosphate that help remineralize the enamel, further protecting teeth from decay and helping them remain strong.
Immune Defense and Antimicrobial Properties
Finally, saliva’s proteins and enzymes fight harmful bacteria and infections. It plays an essential role in wound healing and contributes to a balanced oral microbiome.
The Impact of Dry Mouth
When you don’t produce enough saliva, it’s known as xerostomia — commonly referred to as dry mouth. While everyone’s mouth is dry on occasion, chronic dry mouth can occur as the result of certain medications, aging, mouth breathing, and some medical conditions.
Symptoms of dry mouth include difficulty swallowing, bad breath, and increased cavities. When there’s not enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, wash away food particles, neutralize acids, fight bacteria, and protect your teeth from erosion, there can be long-term effects on your oral and overall health.
How to Manage Dry Mouth
If you struggle with dry mouth, there are things you can do to find relief and improve your overall oral health, including:
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to ensure you’re properly hydrated.
- Chewing sugar-free gum or eating crunchy, fibrous foods to stimulate saliva production.
- Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and excessive caffeine, which can dry out your mouth.
- Using mouthwash, spray, or prescription treatments for chronic dry mouth.
- Asking your doctor about changing up the medications you take.
As you try to manage your dry mouth, it’s important to work closely with your dentist. They can assess your oral health and make personalized recommendations based on your unique needs. Additionally, attending regular dental checkups gives your dentist the opportunity to monitor the potential effects of dry mouth, including enamel erosion, plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease
Comprehensive Oral Care by Eric Felt DDS
At the office of Eric Felt DDS, we’re committed to providing comprehensive dental care. Whether it’s helping you overcome dry mouth, build proper oral hygiene habits, or banish stubborn plaque buildup, we’re here to help. Our team of highly trained dental professionals is passionate about protecting your oral health with compassion and care.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward achieving a happier, healthier smile.
