Saliva

Main Thing

Saliva, that clear liquid in our mouths, is a silent guardian of our oral health. It's not just water, but a complex mixture of water, enzymes, and other compounds that work together to keep our mouths healthy. One of its key roles is its antibacterial effect. It contains enzymes like lysozyme and lactoferrin that can break down the cell walls of many bacteria, helping to keep their numbers in check.

Moreover, saliva is crucial for our teeth health. It helps to wash away food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay. It also contains minerals like calcium and phosphate that can help to repair early damage to your teeth.

Think about the last time you ate an apple. As you were enjoying the crunch and sweetness, your saliva was working hard, washing away the tiny bits of apple, neutralizing any harmful acids, and even helping to repair your teeth.

Terms

• Saliva - A clear liquid produced in the mouth that aids in digestion, cleanses the mouth, and helps protect against tooth decay. Example: When you chew food, your saliva helps to break it down so it can be swallowed.

• Antibacterial - Something that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce. Example: Hand sanitizers are antibacterial as they kill bacteria on your hands.

• Enzymes - Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Example: The enzyme lactase breaks down lactose, a sugar in milk, into simpler sugars that can be absorbed by the body.

• Lysozyme - An enzyme found in saliva and tears that destroys the cell walls of certain bacteria. Example: Lysozyme in your tears helps protect your eyes from bacterial infections.

• Lactoferrin - A protein found in saliva and other body fluids that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Example: Lactoferrin in breast milk helps protect infants from bacterial infections.

• Calcium - A mineral that is important for strong teeth and bones. Example: Milk is a good source of calcium.

• Phosphate - A mineral that, along with calcium, makes up the hard structure of teeth and bones. Example: Phosphate is found in foods like meat, poultry, and fish.

An Analogy

Think of saliva as a river flowing through a city. Just as a river washes away waste and brings in fresh water, saliva washes away food particles and brings in fresh enzymes and minerals. And just as a river can help to keep a city's population healthy, saliva helps to keep the population of bacteria in our mouths in check.

A Main Misconception

A common misconception is that saliva is just water and doesn't do much. But as we've seen, it's a complex mixture that plays a crucial role in our oral health. It's like thinking a car is just a box on wheels, without considering the engine, the fuel system, and all the other parts that make it run.

The History

The importance of saliva has been recognized for thousands of years. Ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen wrote about its role in digestion. In the 19th century, scientists began to discover its antibacterial properties and its role in dental health. Today, research continues into the many functions of saliva and how we can harness its properties for better oral health.As the famous dentist Weston A. Price once said, "If we were to design a perfect system for maintaining oral health, we could not do better than the natural functions of saliva."

Three Cases How to Use it Right Now

1. Eating and Digestion: When you eat, saliva helps to moisten your food and makes it easier to swallow. It also begins the process of digestion. The main benefits of using this knowledge are understanding the importance of proper chewing to stimulate saliva production and aid digestion.

2. Oral Hygiene: Knowing the role of saliva in oral health can motivate you to stay hydrated and keep your saliva flowing. It can also help you understand why dry mouth, which can be caused by certain medications, is a risk factor for tooth decay.

3. Tasting Food: Saliva helps to dissolve food particles so they can be detected by taste receptors on your tongue. Understanding this can help you appreciate the role of saliva in the enjoyment of food and the importance of good oral health for good taste sensation.

Interesting Facts

1. The average person produces about 1 to 2 liters of saliva per day.

2. Saliva is 99.5% water, but the remaining 0.5% contains a host of important substances.

3. Saliva production is highest in the late afternoon and lowest during sleep.

4. Certain foods, like citrus fruits and sour candies, can stimulate saliva production.

5. The enzymes in saliva can begin to break down food even before it reaches your stomach.