Saliva Is A Necessity

Saliva Is A Necessity

Ever wonder why we have so much saliva? Saliva neutralizes acids that can erode your teeth. Plaque produces acid that causes cavities.  Acids can also be found in many of the foods we eat and a lot of different beverages that we drink.  Another way that we can get acid in our mouth is through acid-reflux from the stomach or by vomiting.  Luckily, saliva has buffers that can neutralize the acid Saliva inhibits demineralization of the tooth surface and promotes remineralization. That means that when acids try to dissolve the outer layer of your teeth (the enamel), your saliva is right there, super-saturated with extra calcium and phosphate to prevent the acid from demineralizing your teeth.  When the acid is so strong that it does demineralize the tooth, your saliva will neutralize the acid as soon as possible, and then replace the lost tooth with calcium and phosphate. Also, saliva cleanses the mouth. After you eat, your saliva goes to work to rinse away any extra food that may be stuck on your teeth.  When the food sticks to your teeth, it can feed the bacteria that live on your teeth, starting the process of demineralization that may lead to a “cavity”.  By washing away the food, your saliva is getting rid of the food source for the bacteria, ensuring that your teeth remain in good condition. According to the folks at WebMD,  saliva is a very important part of a healthy body. It’s mostly made of water but has substances that your body needs to digest food and keep your teeth strong. More specifically, it:

• Keeps your mouth moist and comfortable
• Helps you chew, taste, and swallow
• Fights germs in your mouth and prevents bad breath
• Has proteins and minerals that protect tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay and gum disease
• Helps keep dentures securely in place

So…knowing that, whenever you wonder why you have so much saliva, now you’ll know it’s all part of keeping your body healthy!

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