The Importance of Saliva in Keeping Your Mouth Healthy Saliva is a clear liquid that is present in the mouth of animals. It has different roles on the mouth of human beings. Saliva helps in lubricating the mouth, the tongue, and the teeth and keeps them healthy. There are enzymes present in saliva that start the chemical digestion of food. Saliva also moisturize and soften the food making it easy to chew and swallow. Also present are proteins that protect the teeth, and gum from infection be bacteria and viruses. By making the food and substances moist, it prevents mechanical injury to the mouth. When it comes to the role of keeping the mouth healthy, the amount of saliva is very important. Saliva is produced by saliva glands located in the mouth. In addition to six major salivary glands, there are several other smaller ones. The content of saliva that is optimal cannot be measured as a specific unit as it depends on various factors. Every person is unique and the optimal saliva production differs from person to person. The only criteria to discern whether you are getting optimal saliva is having a well moisturized mouth. If you are not producing adequate amount of saliva, you develop a condition known as dry mouth. A dry mouth is often uncomfortable. It can also cause loss of taste sensation. There is mutual influence between the taste glands and the salivary glands. In a dry mouth, the taste glands cannot discern a mild taste. If the taste glands are not fully functional, dry mouth may develop. Dry mouth makes it easy for one to develop infections. It helps to fight bacteria and virus be keeping the mouth environment slightly alkaline. Bacteria and virus finds an environment that does not have a dry mouth very friendly. As they multiply, they increased the rate of teeth decay and periodontal diseases. Saliva also helps in removal of food particles. Dry mouth increases the likelihood of food particles becoming attached. A combination of pathogens and trapped food jeopardize the health of your mouth. A person with dry mouth also develops foul smell.
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This calls for an action to make sure that you have adequate saliva. Taking enough water is one of ensuring that you have adequate saliva. Too much of alcohol and diuretics should be avoided. You should talk with your doctor about the medication you take since some might be contributing to dry mouth. If the natural solutions won’t solve your problem, you can take the artificial saliva. This is a clear liquid meant to keep your mouth moist and healthy. The liquid does not, however, contain enzymes and proteins.
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Excess saliva is not a major problem to many people. This is due to the fact that excess saliva is easily swallowed without effort.
