Most of us don’t give saliva much thought, but this liquid is actually working overtime to protect your teeth and gums. If you’ve ever had a dry mouth, you know how uncomfortable it can be. But low saliva can lead to much bigger problems than just discomfort. If you’re not producing enough saliva, it’s important to see your dentist before you have serious dental issues.
What Exactly is Saliva?
Saliva is that clear liquid your mouth makes all day long. It comes from glands located in your cheeks, under your tongue, and on the bottom of your mouth. While it’s mostly water, saliva also contains special enzymes and minerals that do important jobs. We all know it helps with chewing and swallowing food, but saliva actually does so much more for your oral health.
Your Mouth’s Natural Cavity Fighter
One of saliva’s most important jobs is protecting your teeth from decay. It contains calcium and phosphate that actually help rebuild and strengthen your tooth enamel through a process called remineralization.
Think of it like a constant repair crew fixing tiny damage to your teeth throughout the day. Saliva also neutralizes harmful acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. Without enough saliva, these acids would eat away at your teeth much faster and cause more cavities.
Bacteria’s Worst Enemy
Your saliva is packed with natural germ fighters that keep harmful bacteria under control. These bacteria are what cause cavities and gum disease. The antimicrobial agents in saliva act like your mouth’s personal security team. They prevent bacterial overgrowth that could damage your teeth and gums.
Keeping Your Mouth Comfortable
Ever tried talking or swallowing with a dry mouth? It’s not easy. Saliva keeps everything moving smoothly in your mouth. When saliva production drops too low, it’s not just uncomfortable. Dry mouth can actually cause serious problems like increased tooth decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath.
The First Step in Digestion
Before food even reaches your stomach, your saliva starts breaking it down. Special enzymes in saliva begin digesting carbohydrates and fats the moment you start chewing. This not only makes nutrients easier for your body to absorb, but also makes food easier to swallow. Without enough saliva, you might not digest your food properly. This could eventually cause nutritional deficiencies.
Nature’s Mouth Band-Aid
That cut on your tongue from accidentally biting it? Your saliva helps heal it faster. Saliva has special growth factors that speed up healing when you injure the soft tissues in your mouth. Whether it’s a bitten cheek or a small sore, your saliva is working to repair the damage.
When Saliva Goes Missing
Since saliva does so many important jobs, not having enough can cause real problems. Dry mouth can come from medications, medical conditions, or simply not drinking enough water. Symptoms include:
- Constant thirst
- Trouble swallowing dry foods
- A sticky feeling in your mouth
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- More cavities than usual
If you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, don’t ignore them. Your dentist can help find the cause and suggest solutions to protect your oral health. Simple changes like chewing sugar-free gum, staying hydrated, or using special mouth rinses can help boost saliva production.
Keeping Your Saliva Healthy
To keep your saliva working its best:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow
- Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash
- See your dentist regularly to catch any problems early
Remember, that spit in your mouth is doing way more than just making food easier to swallow. It’s your teeth’s first line of defense against decay, your gums’ protection against disease, and your mouth’s natural healing system all rolled into one. Taking care of your saliva means taking care of your whole mouth.
Visit Dr. trinkner today for a dental exam and recommendations. Call us at 803-400-8729 or request an appointment online today.