This post from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise examines the complexity of human saliva. Saliva has a way of making some people squeamish, but it is important to your dental health.
Saliva is, in fact, a finely balanced body fluid that helps to maintain dental health, and also aids in digestion. So, without further ado, here are its main components.
1. Water. No surprise here! You saliva consists mostly of water.
2. Enzymes. Enzymes are vital biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
3. Immunoproteins. These are effective cells that fight cellular invaders, such as bacteria. Those in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is essential to avoiding gingivitis and keeping a healthy pH balance in the mouth.
4. Minerals. Saliva minerals assist in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.
Most people produce enough saliva, but some suffer from dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. This is a serious condition, because it causes the gums and tongue to get swollen, and can even accelerate tooth decay. If you’re coping with dry mouth, don’t wait until your next appointment, let us know right away.
Your body makes up to four pints of saliva every single day. Sound like a lot? It’s perfectly normal, and just what you need for ideal dental health. Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise provides general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Make an appointment with us today!
Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:
208-377-9696
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709