Why is saliva so great? Did you know it protects your teeth from bad bacteria?
You probably don’t think too much about your saliva and the important role it plays in your oral health. But we here at Olney Dental have a great appreciation for it. We encounter saliva every day! And we know just how critical it can be in maintaining your oral and overall health. Ready to learn more about what makes your saliva so great? Let’s dive in!
Important Functions
Over the average person’s lifetime, the body produces enough saliva to fill two entire swimming pools! That’s two to four pints every day. Why? Science has shown the important roles that it plays in maintaining our health.
- Digestion: Saliva is the key component of the first step in the digestion process. It breaks down our food and helps us to chew, taste, and swallow the food and drink we consume. In fact, our sense of taste would be severely impaired without it!
- Oral and Dental Health: Saliva also contains antimicrobial agents which protect our teeth from the effects of harmful bacteria. It also has calcium and phosphate which are crucial in strengthening our teeth by rebuilding enamel. Finally, our spit washes away the food and debris leftover on our teeth and in our mouth which contributes to tooth decay and neutralizes the acids that harmful bacteria create which cause cavities!
What If My Body Isn’t Producing Enough Saliva?
Some people find that their mouths feel dry and that there isn’t a lot of spit in them. Sometimes this is normal or caused by things such as prescription medications or illnesses and ends up passing in due time. However, those who have that problem on a consistent basis have a condition known, unsurprisingly, as dry mouth. Those with dry mouth are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease without that valuable saliva as a barrier of protection. If you’re struggling with dry mouth, make an appointment to see your dentist to have it treated.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.