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As with so many other things, we do not realize their importance until we are missing. The saliva is responsible for protecting the oral structures and moisten the food we eat to facilitate their swallowing and digestion.
How it is formed
Saliva is secreted both by the major salivary glands -paratid, sublingual and submaxillary or submandibular- and by the minor salivary glands.
More or less we generate between 600 ml and more than 1 liter of saliva a day, depending on the temperature or level of anxiety. At higher temperatures or anxiety, less salivation occurs.
It also decreases the secretion with certain medications and during the night, which is why oral hygiene is so important before going to bed.
Chewing promotes the production of saliva, therefore, chewing gum without sugar is a good habit to increase salivary flow and neutralize the acid pH of the bacterial plaque.
Chewing gum to increase the secretion of saliva and take care of oral health. Doctor Carreño Dental Institute. Dental clinic Madrid. Dentists
Xerostomia and increased caries
Xerostomia is the sensation of dry mouth due to decreased production of saliva. This fact increases the risk of caries and other oral infections.
However, there are situations in which the production of saliva increases. Such is the case of dental eruption in babies and children; the first half of pregnancy; or before appetizing foods.
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Functions of saliva
It acts as a lubricant for food so that it does not harm us when swallowed.
It offers antimicrobial protection, thanks to its antiseptic properties and to the dragging of bacteria. - In addition, it favors the mineralization of the enamel of the teeth.
It facilitates the healing of wounds in the mouth. - Through the enzymes that it contains, it transforms the food into a food bolus, initiating the digestion of them and facilitating their swallowing.
And, on the other hand, it makes it possible for us to articulate the words.
Saliva also serves to detect and diagnose diseases - such as rubella, mumps, measles or HIV - as well as the consumption of some drugs.