|
Posted on 9/25/2019 by Dr. VanBrunt |
![]() Understanding SalivaSaliva contains more than just water. 99% of saliva is water, but the rest a mixture of minerals, vitamins and hormones along with any debris left in your mouth from things put in the mouth throughout the day. Your salivary glands produce about one quart of saliva a day. The amount of saliva produced depends on the time of day, your age and other conditions.When you sleep, the production of saliva drops. Mucins are protein molecules in saliva that among other things can help shield the teeth from the growth of bacteria. Saliva helps regulate the levels of acids in the mouth. It also helps provide an environment that allows the tooth mineral to grow. The Importance of SalivaSaliva plays a vital role in the health of the teeth and gums. It is a key to removing any debris that is left in the mouth throughout the day. It also helps protect the teeth from bacteria and can help remove the bacteria in the mouth that is harmful to the teeth. By providing an environment that allows the teeth to replace the mineral of the tooth enamel, it keeps teeth stronger and healthier.If you do not produce enough saliva, you have a condition known as dry mouth. This is common with mouth breathers and with people that snore. Because of the lack of saliva production, these groups tend to have more cavities. If you want to know more about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Call our office and schedule an appointment today. |