Saliva plays an important role when it comes to oral health. With sufficient saliva in your mouth, many oral conditions are prevented. On the other hand, insufficient levels of saliva in your mouth can affect your smile significantly. Knowing the role of saliva in your mouth will help you understand its importance in oral health.
The Importance of Saliva to Your Oral Health
When it comes to keeping a bright smile, saliva is very important. First, saliva protects against tooth decay, gum disease, and other harmful oral infections. Saliva forms a thin film that covers your teeth and shields them against bacteria. In addition, saliva contains antimicrobial agents that eliminate harmful bacteria. This is very important in keeping your teeth bacteria-free.
Secondly, saliva sweeps away food particles as it moves around your mouth. Keep in mind that harmful bacteria feed on these food particles and build up. As a result, conditions like tooth decay develop. By washing away food particles, saliva protects your teeth against dental stains. Also, if you consume drinks that cause stains, your smile could be affected significantly. However, saliva helps wash away part of the stains and limit the damage.
Thirdly, saliva helps neutralize acids in your mouth. Keep in mind that acids are very harmful and can cause significant damage to your teeth. This happens when they break down your tooth enamel. The enamel is a strong outer layer of your tooth that protects it from bacterial intrusion. When this layer is damaged, your tooth is exposed to bacteria. As a result, you will develop sensitivity and tooth decay. Saliva helps prevent this by neutralizing the acids. Saliva also contains fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus that help repair damaged enamel. These minerals also help keep your teeth strong. Schedule a consultative appointment with us for more information on the role of saliva in your mouth.
Our Dental Blog | Smiles of Tulsa - Dentist in Tulsa, OK Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Click here to learn more about home care, procedures and more! Smiles of Tulsa, 6565 S. Yale Ave., Ste. 1103, Tulsa, OK 74136 • (918) 891-3059 • smilesoftulsa.com • 10/3/2024 • Page Keywords: Preventive Dentistry Tulsa OK •
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Saliva plays an important role when it comes to oral health. With sufficient saliva in your mouth, many oral conditions are prevented. On the other hand, insufficient levels of saliva in your mouth can affect your smile significantly. Knowing the role of saliva in your mouth will help you understand its importance in oral health.