In this post from Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany, we are going to review the complexity and importance of your saliva.
Don’t be squeamish! Your saliva is 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.
- Water. No surprise here! Your saliva is comprised of water, for the most part.
- Enzymes. Enzymes are important biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
- Immunoproteins. These are powerful cells that fight invaders, such as bacteria. The immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is crucial for avoiding gingivitis and keeping the appropriate pH balance in the mouth.
- Minerals. Saliva minerals aid 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. Dry mouth can be dangerous to your dental health, so be sure to speak with us if you are experiencing this.
At Pinnacle Dental Associates in Albany, we are committed to the dental health of every patient. Services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Call us for an appointment today!