When you think saliva, you think of drool dripping from inside your mouth. Strings of moisture come out sometimes when you sneeze or cough. Yuck! What is that all about? Saliva does not have to be thought of as gross. This clear liquid is beneficial for your health. Here are the top 4 reasons you need to keep hanging saliva around.
1. Fresh Breath
Do you have bad breath? You could have a lack of Saliva. Saliva occurs to protect your mouth from bad breath. Without it or with very little, your mouth becomes dry and germs begin to thrive. The bacteria partying in your mouth leads to smelly breath, a condition called halitosis. Saliva acts as a cleanser to remove waste by flushing it away.
Comprised primarily of water secreted from six major glands in your mouth, saliva production is key to healthy breath. Visiting Franklin Dental Centre can help you with bad breath problems. Our team is knowledgeable about the inner workings of your mouth.
2. Heals Wounds
Ouch! I bit my lip. Let saliva be your healer. Naturally occurring growth factors in saliva help regenerate damaged tissue. Saliva keeps your wounds clean and acts to accelerate the blood clotting mechanism. If you have a cut inside your mouth, think of all the benefits saliva adds to aid the healing process.
So, next time you cut yourself while making dinner, the natural instinct to lick your wound is actually helping the healing process as well as soothing any pain.
3. Protects Your Teeth
Saliva contains proteins and minerals, protecting your teeth from decay and gum disease. Production of a unique protein chemical found in saliva helps prevent gingivitis. It also contains lysozyme, an enzyme stopping oral microbial populations from growing excessively.
Slimy sheets of bacterial buildup called biofilms are dangerous for your oral health. Mucins catch bacteria and prevent it from sticking to your teeth’s surfaces. Removal of bacteria aids in the overall health of your mouth.
Are you worried about shifting dentures? Saliva also helps keep dentures in place while cleaning your oral cavity.
4. Helps Digestion
The process of solubilisation allows you to taste dry foods. Saliva contains an enzyme initiating the digestion of starches. Breaking down starches before they enter your stomach helps you digest. The mucus glands in your mouth lubricate and bind to food as you chew. Coating the food helps it glide down your esophagus without harm.
Saliva also coats your mouth and esophagus to aid in this food slide. It is important for food to transfer down your esophagus smoothly to avoid choking. The process prevents particles from sticking to your teeth and causing cavities.
Next time you think “eeewww, saliva”, remember the importance it plays in protecting you against an unhealthy mouth. Visiting a dentist can help you understand even more about how to avoid dental disasters and why you need saliva.
Franklin Dental Centre is proud to be the dental office that keeps you smiling with positive oral health.
