What Role Does Saliva Play in Your Oral Health

Aside from stimulating our taste buds, saliva also plays a crucial role in maintaining our oral health.

The average person produces around 0.5 to 1.5 liters of saliva every day. Most people pay saliva no mind because it’s just a colorless liquid found in our mouth. However, all our favorite meals would be bland or tasteless without saliva to activate our taste buds. Not to mention the difficulty we’d have chewing and swallowing our food.

Schedule an Appointment – Call (314) 862-7844

Saliva is essential for eating and aids in digestion, but does it impact our oral health? Join us today as we look into the role saliva plays in our oral health.

Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 139 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Ken C.

I want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.

I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!

A K.

Dr. Thoms and his entire staff at The Dental Anesthesia Center have been absolutely wonderful!! They're all so kind and knowledgeable. I would give them 10 stars if I could!!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to hear this feedback.

Peggy Mulvihill L.

Dr Mike Hoffman is the best dentist I’ve ever been to. His whole practice focuses on the patient’s needs. He is the consumate professional with expertise across the dental spectrum and in anesthesia. I highly recommend him and his practice.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and recommendation! We’re grateful for your kind words and are proud to provide patient-centered care with a focus on comfort and safety.

Gloria C.

Yes, my grandson has nonverbal autism and they took very good care of him.. He had to have some extra extractions which I was concerned about, but everything went very well. Very happy and I thank you all for all the work you did.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. We truly appreciate your trust in us.

Danita S.

I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your experience was positive from start to finish. Our team works hard to create a comfortable, transparent, and supportive environment for every patient and family. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!

What Is Saliva?

Saliva is a mixture of proteins, mucus, electrolytes, antibacterial compounds, and minerals with a water base. Saliva is 89% water, and the remaining 2% consists of the substance we’ve just mentioned. Hundreds of salivary glands in the mouth, tongue, nose, and lips produce saliva.

Salivary glands break down into two types, minor and major salivary glands. The latter handles the bulk of the saliva load, producing up to 90% of your saliva.

The Function of Saliva

Aside from stimulating our taste buds, saliva also plays a crucial role in maintaining our oral health. Some functions of saliva include:

– Cleanses the Mouth

Saliva helps keep the mouth clean by washing away food debris left after eating. It also does the same for dead epithelial cells and foreign substances. Saliva also contains an antibacterial substance known as lysozyme. This helps eliminate certain bacteria that would otherwise be detrimental to the body. This includes bacteria that cause dental carries and even fever-causing bacteria.

– Protects Oral Tissues

Saliva plays the crucial role of protecting oral and peri-oral tissues found in the mouth. They do this by acting as a buffer that shields the tissue from acid that bacteria produce. It also lubricates food in the mouth to prevent it from scaring oral tissues and allowing easy digestion.

Aside from the above, some other functions of saliva include:

• Diluting sugar found in drinks and food
• Repairing damaged oral tissue
• Reconstructing enamel with phosphates and calcium

These are some of the protection roles that saliva plays. Conversely, inadequate saliva production could spell trouble for your oral health. That’s why oral conditions like dry mouth are nothing to smile about, literally.

The Link Between Saliva and Dental Caries

PH imbalance in the mouth is the primary cause of demineralization of the teeth, leading to dental caries. Bacteria in the mouth produce acid every time they consume sugar and other fermentable carbs. The acid lowers PH in the mouth and leads to the demineralization of teeth, hence dental caries.

Saliva bicarbonate in the saliva helps neutralize the acid to prevent teeth demineralization. Thus, it stands on the frontline in the battle against cavities.

Saliva Protects Your Teeth

Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth, but saliva alone isn’t enough. It would be best if you embraced proper oral habits to keep dental issues at bay. Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today in case of any cavities or other dental problems. We’ll help you sort it out.