In Praise of Saliva: Your Friendly and Natural Thanksgiving Oral Cleanser

While you’re enjoying your days this Thanksgiving, there is an unsung hero working to ensure your dental health. No, it’s not your grandma. It’s your saliva! This essential part of your oral health ecosystem is often misunderstood and stigmatized for being gross or messy. This blog aims to change all that.

If you want to learn more about saliva and how it helps your oral health in more ways than one, continue reading.

Where Does Saliva Come From?

Saliva is produced in glands scattered throughout your mouth. These glands, including the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, work together to ensure a constant flow. Maintaining good oral health will help to prevent these glands from becoming infected, stopping them from performing their jobs.

What Is Saliva Made of?

Saliva is a remarkable concoction made up of mostly water with trace amounts of enzymes, mucus, and electrolytes. This varied blend of nutrients and fluids serves multiple essential functions in your digestive system.

Starting in the mouth, it helps break down your food as you chew, then it helps you swallow. Finally, it’s a huge help to your intestines, providing the lubricant needed to push food all the way through.

Why Is Saliva so Important?

There are many ways that your saliva helps your mouth and beyond. Here are a few examples:

Lubricates Your Mouth and Throat

Saliva keeps your mouth and throat comfortably lubricated, helping you to speak, swallow, and have overall oral comfort. This lubrication prevents friction and ensures the smooth functioning of these everyday activities.

Protects Your Teeth

One of saliva’s critical roles is to protect your teeth. It contains minerals like calcium and phosphate, which aid in remineralization. This helps to strengthen tooth enamel and defend against decay. Saliva also acts as a natural barrier, reducing the impact of acidic substances on your teeth.

Prevents Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can lead to discomfort and an increased risk of dental issues. Saliva works tirelessly to prevent dry mouth by maintaining moisture around your teeth and tongue. This not only enhances your comfort but also contributes to a healthy oral environment.

Can Help Diagnose Conditions

Saliva also has the amazing ability to provide insights into your overall health. Researchers with the IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences are exploring the diagnostic potential of saliva. This means that various conditions, including diabetes and certain infectious diseases, can be spotted early, avoiding the worst symptoms.

After reading this, you should have a newfound respect for your saliva. It’s a helpful friend and a natural cleanser for your oral cavity, providing many benefits. If you suffer from dry mouth after your feasting, it might be a good time to talk to your dentist. They can provide you with tools and guidance to get your oral health back in check just in time for the next holiday!

About the Practice

At Sunrise Dental Center, their team is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care with a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction. Their experienced dentists employ state-of-the-art technology and personalized approaches to address your needs. From routine checkups to advanced procedures, they do it all under one roof. To schedule an appointment, call (713) 869-9973 or visit the website to explore their services.