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The Role of Saliva in Oral Health

Posted on 12/1/2023 by Weo Admin

Black woman smiling after making appointment at West End Dental in Portland, OR

Saliva is fundamental in maintaining oral health and has multiple functions that can contribute to your well-being. Some of the critical roles of saliva in your oral health primarily include:

Moistening and Lubricating

Saliva is essential to help ensure your mouth is moist. This makes it easier to chew, swallow, and speak. The humid environment is fundamental to ensuring your oral tissues are healthy.

Protects Against Tooth Decay

Another essential role of saliva is protection against tooth decay. Saliva will act as a significant barrier by helping to remineralize your enamel. It contains some vital minerals, such as phosphate and calcium, which will counteract the effect of acids. It also helps to flush out food debris, which can accumulate in your mouth and lead to tooth decay.

Antibacterial Properties

Saliva contains essential antimicrobial agents and antibodies that help to control the growth of bacteremia in your mouth. This will help prevent infections and ensure you have an ideal balance of oral microorganisms.

Tips to Ensure You Have Healthy Saliva

Drinking Water

Salivary volume is increased by taking water. Thus, it is crucial to stay hydrated so that saliva is consistently produced in your salivary glands.

Sugar-Free Gums

Chewing gum helps to stimulate the production of saliva. The act of chewing signals your body to produce saliva. Sugar-free gums are encouraged to avoid tooth decay, which is brought about by high levels of sugar in your mouth.

[[H3:Limit the Intake of Alcohol and Caffeine]]]
Caffeine and alcoholic beverages are known to cause dehydration in the body. Thus, it is advisable to consume them in moderation. If you drink these beverages, it is essential to ensure you hydrate well enough.

Avoid Tobacco Products

Another tip to ensure adequate saliva production is to avoid tobacco products. Smoking tobacco can also cause dry mouth, which can affect your oral health. Ensure you quit these products or limit their usage.
Saliva plays a crucial function in your oral health. It helps moisturize your mouth and flush off any bacteria in it. Adequate saliva will lower your risk of gum infections. Contact our offices for an appointment if you have any questions about general oral health.

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We focus on prevention so that you keep your smile healthy. We provide excellent comfortable care for all procedures.

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Office: (503) 446-2957
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Dr. James Krippaehne

West End Dental
833 SW 11th Ave Suite 300
Portland, OR 97205

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Dental Blog | Portland OR | West End Dental
West End Dental, 833 SW 11th Ave, Suite 300 Portland, OR 97205 : (503) 446-2957 : west-end-dental.com : 9/28/2024 : Key Phrases: dentist Downtown Portland :