Today we are going to discuss the complexity and importance of your saliva. This typically yucky substance is, in reality, a finely balanced body fluid that not only maintains dental health but also helps with the digestion of your food.
So, without further ado, here are the main components of saliva.
1. Water. No surprise here! Your saliva is composed of water, for the most part.
2. Enzymes. Enzymes are important biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
3. Immunoproteins. These are powerful cells that fight invaders, such as bacteria. The immunoproteins in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is crucial for avoiding gingivitis and keeping the appropriate pH balance in the mouth.
4. Minerals. Saliva minerals assist in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.
Most people produce enough saliva, but some suffer from dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. This can be detrimental to your dental health, so be sure to meet with your dentist if you are experiencing this.
If you are in the Bartlett IL, South Elgin, or Wayne area and are in search of quality dental care, please call our office today at 847-741-2353. Our comfortable staff would be happy to talk to you about our acclaimed services, which include:
sedation dentistry
dentures
porcelain veneers
general dentistry
Contact David A. Rice, DDS:
847-741-2353
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1972 Larkin Ave Ste 1
Elgin, Illinois
60123