In this post from Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy DDS in San Luis Obisbo CA, we review the complexity and importance of your saliva. Saliva makes some people a little squeamish, but it’s important stuff: 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 composed of water, for the most part.
- Enzymes: Enzymes are vital 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 inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is essential 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 there is a condition called dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. Dry mouth can be dangerous to your dental health, so be sure to talk to us about it if you experience it.
At Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy DDS in San Luis Obisbo CA, we offer our patients a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry. People from Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, and Arroyo Grande also visit us for dental implants. Contact us today!
Contact Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy DDS:
805-543-3016
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
4472 Broad St, Suite 160
San Luis Obispo, California
93401
ArticleID 6725
