Although it is present with us every day, we are not always aware of the importance of the function of saliva for the maintenance of our health. Saliva is responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the mouth, preventing various dental and oral pathologies.
As we grow older and due to certain daily habits, the amount and composition of saliva can be affected. This has a direct influence on health, not only in the mouth, but also in the whole organism.
What is the function of saliva and how does it protect tooth enamel? Find out from KIN everything you need to take into account to enjoy a healthier mouth in your daily life.
The importance of saliva in oral health
Saliva is a fluid that moistens the oral cavity produced by the salivary glands located in different areas of the mouth. On average, it is estimated that a person produces between 1 and 1.5 liters of saliva in a day alone!
This fluid that we hardly pay attention to is actually extremely important. It is involved in processes such as chewing, swallowing, speech and also maintains an optimal pH to prevent the bacteria responsible for tooth decay or periodontal disease from developing.
Due to its composition, saliva is antibacterial, neutralizes the harmful effects of acids on tooth enamel and starts the digestion process from the first moment food enters the mouth.
There are many important functions of saliva that can be affected when its secretion fails in any way.
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The functions of saliva in the mouth
We have already advanced a little bit about the function of saliva in our daily life. But in order for you to really know its importance, let's go a little deeper. Among the most interesting aspects of saliva for oral health care, experts highlight the following:
- It lubricates the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and teeth, participating in the swallowing of food and phonation in speech.
- Optimizes food flavors.
- Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.
- It participates in the healing and regeneration of tissues.
- Maintains a neutral pH by limiting the effect of food acids that can wear away or demineralize the enamel.
- Prevents the formation of dental biofilm.
Precisely because saliva is part of our daily life, we do not always appreciate its importance until a saliva-related problem arises.
One of the most important is dry mouth, which, as we will see below, is a great discomfort and risk for those who suffer from it.
How does saliva protect teeth?
Teeth are one of the parts of the oral cavity that depend most on the function of saliva to maintain health. Not only does saliva protect against caries by neutralizing the pH and preventing bacteria from growing, but it also plays other important roles.
Thanks to the lubrication of saliva, we avoid food remains on the teeth after chewing and subsequent swallowing.
It is worth mentioning the remineralizing power of saliva, since it directly provides some of the nutrients that teeth need to keep their enamel strong, such as calcium, fluoride, phosphorus or vitamin A.
Xerostomia or dry mouth
Xerostomia is an oral condition that occurs when saliva production is insufficient. It is also known as dry mouth, and can occur for various reasons such as the consumption of drugs and certain treatments, diseases such as diabetes, anxiety or stress, smoking, alcohol consumption and other bad habits.
What happens if saliva production is reduced? The risk of oral infections, such as gum damage, gingivitis, periodontal disease and caries is much higher.
In addition, other discomforts such as difficulty in swallowing, speech, digestion problems, or increased likelihood of physical damage to the mucosa, since the protective function of saliva is not effective, should also be emphasized.
How to stimulate saliva production
If you need to increase saliva production, there are some tips you can put into practice. It is important to hydrate yourself properly by drinking the daily amount of water necessary for your body.
Need a little extra help? You can find specific products on the market, such as those of the KIN Hidrat. You can use the different references separately or in combination according to your needs.
In addition to helping to moisturize and restore saliva secretion thanks to their high xylitol content, KIN Hidrat products keep gums healthier with optimal protection.
Dry mouth and oral mucosa care products for dry mouth and oral mucosa are very are very easy to apply within the usual care routine, and even for use outside the home through their convenient format. Don't let the sensation of dry mouth become a problem for you.
It is also recommended to avoid alcohol consumption, smoking and above all, do not neglect visits to the dentist. In order to detect any oral problems in time, people at higher risk should increase their care. Consult your dentist!
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