Saliva is a watery substance that is found in the mouths of all people. This substance is a natural part of the body that is used for chewing and swallowing food and it is also used to aid in the digestion process. Saliva not only helps us with the eating process it is also used to destroy bacteria, reduce incidence of tooth decay and it helps us to talk. Let’s check out some fun facts about saliva and how important this substance is for parents and their kids.
- Food molecules must dissolve in saliva in order to be recognized by taste buds.
- Saliva protects teeth and gums, lubricates the mouth, and helps regulate the acid balance of the mouth.
- Saliva is essential to the breakdown of food.
- Saliva can be analysed to monitor alcohol intake, smoking, and drug use. It may also be useful in diagnosing disease.
- Saliva contains enzymes that start the digestive process by helping to break down starches and fats.
- Saliva helps wounds in the mouth heal faster than wounds elsewhere on the body.
- When you are nervous or frightened, saliva production is reduced.
- Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva production and is good for your teeth.
Why we love Saliva
Saliva is the mouths primary defence against tooth decay. Decay result from bacteria in plaque that generate acids, which attack tooth minerals. The buffering systems of saliva help counteract this acid formation. Saliva flow helps wash away the sugars and food particles that, when broken down, also produce tooth-damaging acids.
For instance, when you eat high-starch foods such as bread, the carbohydrates they contain block natural saliva flow and aren’t easily dissolved. To ensure its free flow throughout the mouth, saliva contains amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into sugars that clear the mouth and facilitate salivary flow.
Mineral salts in saliva — calcium and phosphate ions — slow demineralization of tooth structure and encourage ongoing re-mineralization of tooth enamel, thus reversing the decay process!
