You may be surprised to learn how useful saliva can be when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. Saliva has a lot of important jobs, from protecting against cavities to strengthening your teeth. Read more to learn why you shouldn’t take saliva for granted.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is typically caused by bacteria feasting on food particles left in your mouth, which can lead to cavities or worse. Helping to rinse away food debris and bacteria, saliva acts as your body’s natural mouth cleanser, keeping your teeth and gums free of plaque.
Remineralizes & Protects Tooth Enamel
Saliva is more than just water, it contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which are key to keeping your tooth enamel strong and healthy. These elements aid in a process called remineralization that can repair early signs of enamel erosion. Saliva also maintains tooth durability by neutralizing enamel-damaging acids in the mouth.
Lubricates the Mouth
Nobody enjoys the feeling of a dry mouth. Luckily, saliva is here to keep things nice and moist. A well-hydrated mouth makes it easier to speak, chew, and swallow. Be sure to drink plenty of water to promote saliva production.
Heals Oral Wounds
Also included in the magical makeup of saliva are proteins and enzymes with antibacterial properties that aid in healing oral wounds. The moist environment created by saliva helps restorative cells do their work properly and get your mouth back in tip-top shape quickly.
Comprehensive Gentle Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
Now you know how important saliva is to maintaining your oral health! Lack of saliva can cause more problems than just discomfort, so if you are suffering from dry mouth, come into River Vista Dentistry for a quick check-up. Our team will make sure your teeth don’t show any signs of decay, and we can share some suggestions to promote saliva production. Schedule an appointment today!