Saliva is a part of the normal activities that you do, and thanks to that unique composition, you were able to stimulate your taste buds, and also have a better chewing and swallowing experience, without it being dangerous. Why does it matter? What are the components, and how do they work together? Read on to find out.
Function and Location
In your mouth, you have six primary glands, with three on each part of the mouth that create saliva. These are known as the parotid glands, and secret saliva into the mouth, above where your upper molars are. The submandibular glands create ducts in the jaw area between those molars that are lower, and the sublingual does empty the saliva under the tongue. Enzymes within the saliva are what start the process of digestion prior to you even having it in your stomach. This happens during chewing, where it softens and then lubricates the food to swallow better. Saliva also helps to moisten the mouth so that you can speak better.
It also works to wash away the bad bacteria in the teeth, lowering the acidity within the mouth and helping to prevent the onset of tooth decay and also gum disease.
The calcium, fluoride, and phosphorus that are found within saliva also work to repair the enamel too.
Components of Saliva
Saliva is something that’s produced in our mouth, and we make about 600 milliliters every single day. Almost all of it is water, with less than 1% of this being calcium, sodium, potassium, immunoglobulins, proteins, magnesium, and also mucins and enzymes. They are all parts of saliva, and while only a small percentage, they are vital for sustaining the health of the mouth and body.
Below are each part:
Proteins: they are the second leading component, and made up to help with eliminating bacteria, and protecting the teeth. They also may help with tasting since they naturally interact with those taste receptors within the mouth.
Enzymes: they are found within saliva and are proteins which are specifically responsible for starting various reactions within the body that aid with the digestive processes. For instance, there are enzymes that break down the fats and starches placed in food in your mouth.
Mucin: this is like what you feel when you have mucus buildup when you get colds, but it also does work with digestion too. It’s a protein that’ll help with swallowing food, and also keeps the mouth nice and lubricated.
Electrolytes: these are the calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are used to harden and strengthen the enamel of the area, reducing cavity risk.
Keeping the Salivary Glands healthy
Here are the different things you need to do to keep the salivary glands nice and healthy:
Limit tobacco and smoking
Limit the intake of alcohol and avoid using recreational drugs
Monitor your health conditions such as diabetes
Let doctors know if you’ve got a medication that’ll cause dry mouth
Talk to the doctor about ways to prevent snoring and breathing via the mouth at night
Maintain proper oral hygiene in order to reduce mouth bacteria.
See the doctor when you see different infections
Make sure to stay hydrated through drinking water
