In this blog post from Alaska Premier Dental Group, we are going to discuss the complexity and importance of your saliva. You may be inclined to think of this as a yucky substance, but in reality it’s a finely balanced body fluid that not only maintains dental health but also aids in digestion of your food.
So, without further ado, here are the main components of saliva.
1. Water. No surprise here! You saliva consists mostly of water.
2. Enzymes. Enzymes are critical biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
3. Immunoproteins. These are effective cells that fight cellular invaders, such as bacteria. Those in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is essential to avoiding gingivitis and keeping a healthy pH balance in the mouth.
4. Minerals. Saliva minerals assist in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.
Most of us produce enough saliva, but some suffer from dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. This can be detrimental to your dental health, so if you are experiencing this, be sure to bring it up at your next appointment.
The Alaska Premier Dental Group offers a full range of services, including family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today.
Contact Alaska Premier Dental Group:
907-337-0404
