Did you know that saliva plays a crucial role in your health? Saliva is essential for maintaining good oral and digestive health. In the mouth, saliva protects against gum disease by reducing the bacterial load. It contains antimicrobial elements that help kill bacteria. As it moves through the mouth, saliva also helps remove small pieces of food that stick to teeth and can cause cavities. Moreover, it can neutralize acidity in the mouth, which destroys tooth enamel, during and after meals. When acid damages enamel, the saliva repairs the tooth’s protective surface in a process called remineralization. During this process, calcium, phosphorus, fluoride and other minerals contained in saliva repair the enamel surface of teeth, keeping them healthy and resistant to decay. Saliva is also important for good digestive health. It contains an enzyme called amylase, which breaks down food in the mouth into smaller molecules that are easier to digest and swallow.

When saliva production in the mouth is reduced, this condition is called xerostomia, or dry mouth. Xerostomia increases the risk of cavities, gum disease and bad breath, and makes it more difficult to digest food. It can be caused by certain illnesses such as Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, but can also be the result of poor nutrition or medication.

To encourage saliva production, we recommend drinking plenty of water, and don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist to find the source of the problem and treat it more effectively.