The Amazing World of Saliva: Exploring its Functions and Importance
Saliva is a vital fluid produced in our mouths that plays a crucial role in digestion, oral health, and overall well-being. Despite its importance, saliva is often taken for granted. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of saliva and discover its many functions and benefits.
Saliva Production and Composition
– An adult produces 1-1.5 liters of saliva per day, enough to fill two medium-sized bathtubs a year.
– Saliva is 98% water, with the remaining 2% comprising electrolytes, white blood cells, mucus, epithelial cells, lysozymes, and enzymes.
Functions of Saliva
– Saliva helps break down food into a semisolid state, making it easier to swallow.
– It maintains moisture in the mouth and throat.
– Saliva contains enzymes like amylase and lipase that aid in carbohydrate and fat digestion.
– It helps kill bacteria, fight infections, and prevent tooth decay.
– Saliva neutralizes acid produced by bacteria, protecting teeth from decay.
Saliva’s Role in Oral Health
– Saliva helps maintain the pH balance in the mouth, keeping it close to neutral (6.2-7.4).
– It prevents mineral dissolution in teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
– Saliva contains opiorphin, a natural painkiller six times stronger than morphine.
Other Interesting Facts About Saliva
– Saliva contains a protein called haptocorrin, which binds to Vitamin B12 and prevents its degradation in the stomach.
– Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in saliva aids in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
– Saliva helps heal ulcers in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
– Excessive salivation (hypersalivation) or reduced salivation (hyposalivation) can indicate underlying health issues.
Conclusion
Saliva is a remarkable fluid that plays a vital role in our digestive system, oral health, and overall well-being. By understanding its functions and importance, we can appreciate the intricate mechanisms that keep our bodies healthy and functioning properly.
References:
https://whistlerdental.com/dentistry-science/fascinating-facts-about-saliva/
https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/spit.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saliva
https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177%2814%2961778-5/abstract