Today we’ll be looking at the complexity and importance of your saliva. Though most people may think it’s gross, saliva is important for dental health as well as digestion.
Saliva is mostly water, but a small portion of it is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The optimal pH balance of the mouth is maintained by saliva, and pH balance is a critical factor in the development of cavities and other forms of tooth decay.
The minerals in saliva help to maintain the enamel surface of the teeth. Immunoproteins in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis.
Now that you know how important saliva is to dental health, I’m sure you can see why ample salivary flow should concern you. For most of my Florissant patients, everyday chewing is enough to stimulate salivary glands to release saliva. However, dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is an ailment that should be dealt with quickly before oral health complications occur.
If you are in the Chesterfield, Maryland Heights, or St. Charles area and are looking for quality dental care, please contact my office today at 314-837-7744. We have been providing general and cosmetic dentistry in Florissant since 1987.
Our friendly staff would be happy to communicate with you about dental implants, porcelain veneers, Invisalign, root canals, and the other services we provide to our valued patients.
Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS: 314-837-7744
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033
