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 consists 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 essential for avoiding gingivitis and keeping the proper pH balance in the mouth.
4. 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. This can be detrimental to your dental health, so be sure to speak with your dentist if you are experiencing this.
If you are in the Lockwood, Billings Heights, or Laurel area and are in search of quality dental care, please call our office today at
406-656-2700
. Our friendly staff would be happy to talk to you about our acclaimed services, which include:
cosmetic dentistry
dental implants
sedation dentistry
family dentistry
Contact Neal C. Johnson DMD:
406-656-2700
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
176 S 32nd St W Ste 3
Billings, Montana
59102
