Good oral health does not just require strong, clean teeth; it is the result of numerous tissues and systems working together. Saliva plays a particularly important role in
general dentistry. This fluid is essential for a healthy mouth and body.
The human body is continuously producing saliva. In a healthy adult, it is normal to create anywhere between 0.5 and 1.5 liters every day. This fluid is very complex and contains numerous essential proteins and enzymes for digestive, dental, and overall health.
The mouth requires consistent moisture to function properly. Saliva keeps the soft tissues of the mouth moist and comfortable. It also helps improve the sense of taste by carrying food particles more efficiently across the surface of the tongue. Saliva keeps food moist as it travels into the rest of the digestive system so it can be broken down more easily. It even plays a role in developing and executing proper speech patterns.
When a person does not produce enough saliva, they can develop a condition known as dry mouth. This can lead to serious discomfort, as well as bad breath and an increased risk for tooth decay. When there is not sufficient saliva to lubricate the mouth, general dentistry treatment is often necessary.
Saliva contains cells that are able to find and kill harmful bacteria. This helps prevent the bacteria from sticking to the surfaces of the teeth and forming cavities. Saliva can also help neutralize bacteria before they make their way inside the body, which means it acts as part of the defense system against illness.
Saliva is full of beneficial proteins that have been shown to help protect tooth enamel. It forms a thin coating that can help repel and even neutralize acids and sugars, which break down tooth enamel and lead to decay and sensitivity. Saliva also contains many beneficial minerals that help strengthen tooth enamel.
Saliva consistently washes over the teeth and soft tissues to sweep away any foreign particles in the mouth. This helps keep teeth cleaner, which leads to less tooth decay.
The mouth is the first step in the digestive system, and saliva plays a very important role in this step. It contains enzymes that break down food particles, especially starches, for improved digestion. This means it also helps dissolve particles that may become trapped between teeth or deep in the grooves of molars, making them easier to sweep away.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Tinley Park, IL
Sufficient saliva production is essential for a healthy mouth and a healthy body. It performs a number of important functions, from aiding in digestion and speech to keeping the teeth and gums clean and strong. It can also help protect you from illness, infection, and tooth decay. Patients who are experiencing dry mouth should see a general dentistry professional for diagnosis and treatment to maintain dental and overall health.
Request an appointment or call Tinley Park Smiles & Implant Dentistry at 708-675-7427 for an appointment in our Tinley Park office.
A broken tooth can be distressing, especially if you do not know where to turn when it happens. However, if a broken tooth is not an emergency, your general dentist can fix it in several ways. These professionals are skilled in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, which are important for repairing teeth.If the affected area has…
General dentistry aims to keep your teeth and gums healthy by educating you about proper oral hygiene and performing preventative treatments that protect against issues like gum disease and tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends going to the dentist at least two times per year. These visits are used to evaluate the condition of…
Besides ourselves, one other person plays a highly important role in maintaining our oral health, our general dentist. You see, the dentist is responsible for much of the work that goes into our mouths, and without them, most of us would be at a loss as to what to do to protect our teeth, tongue,…