Why is saliva so important?
- Dr Sara Lonergan
- Jun 8, 2021
- 2 min read
Saliva is essential for maintaining good oral health. Healthy saliva helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and promotes overall oral hygiene.
Functions of Saliva:
Lubrication: Protects against irritation during speech, chewing, swallowing, and airflow.
Remineralisation: Contains calcium and phosphate, essential minerals for remineralising teeth.
Neutralises plaque pH: Helps balance pH after eating.
Cleansing: Clears food debris from the mouth.
Antimicrobial: Controls the balance of good and bad bacteria in the mouth.
Aids digestion: Starts the breakdown of food with the enzyme amylase.
Enhances taste: Helps us detect flavours.
Water balance: When dehydrated, saliva production decreases, signalling the body to reduce urine output and increase water intake.
When saliva production is reduced or its function is compromised, it can increase the risk of infections, tooth decay, gum disease, and may lead to difficulties in eating or speaking.
Did you know that the normal daily production of saliva is between ½ and 1 litre per day?
Ways to Speed Up Saliva Flow and Neutralise pH:
Chewing tough foods
Eating salty peanuts
Chewing gum (2 pieces for at least 15 minutes)
Eating cheese
Consuming highly flavoured foods
Rinsing with water after meals
Diet also plays a big role in saliva production. Nutrient-dense foods, limiting refined carbohydrates, acidic foods, drinks, and added sugars help maintain healthy saliva. Staying well-hydrated is crucial, and it’s better to sip water throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once.
Saliva Substitutes
If you experience dry mouth, or your dental practitioner has suggested it, you may consider a saliva substitute. These come in various forms such as toothpaste, mouthwash, gels, chewing gum, or lozenges, and they mimic natural saliva to help lubricate the mouth. However, they are not a cure, only replacement therapy.
Some brands include:
Oral 7
Oracoat – Xylimelts
Biotene
Colgate
BioXtra
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