Here are Facts about Saliva
Facts about Saliva
Saliva is a fluid that plays an important role in supporting oral health and the digestive process of food. If the amount of saliva is too little or too much, this could be a sign of oral health problems or overall body health. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands located in the mouth.
These glands produce approximately 1-2 liters of saliva each day. Saliva contains protein, minerals, water, and the enzyme amylase which functions to digest carbohydrates.
These are some Facts about Saliva:
1. In a year we can produce 2 saliva bathtubs. Saliva production varies from person to person But on average each person will produce 0.7 liters of saliva per day. That is enough to fill 2 medium sized bathtubs in a year!
2. Saliva protects teeth and gums Saliva serves to lubricate our mouths and is crucial for oral health. Saliva also helps kill bacteria, fight infection, and tooth decay.
3. Helps the process of breaking down food The main composition of saliva is water, and this is the key in the process of digestion of food. Water in saliva can make food softer and easier to swallow. Without saliva, it is impossible for us to digest food because food will not be completely broken down.
4. Detect taste When we eat, the molecules in the food will dissolve in the saliva. Every food that enters the mouth will bring its own taste and we need saliva to detect the taste of the food.
5. Heal wounds in the mouth faster Because of saliva, wounds in the mouth will heal faster than wounds elsewhere. This is because the fluid creates a moist environment in our mouth, and helps the cells we need to heal wounds. Saliva also contains proteins that our bodies use for the healing process.
6. Saliva production will decrease when we are afraid or nervous It is very common that we will feel our mouth become dry when we feel restless or nervous. The flow of saliva is controlled by the nervous system, and that is what causes saliva production to decrease in the "fight or flight" response.
7. Detect disease Saliva samples can be used as a tool to diagnose disease in a person. Having a constantly dry mouth, can be an indication of some serious health problem or disease. Only by analyzing certain proteins in saliva, doctors are able to assess the risk of heart disease, and even other diseases.
8. Glandular stones We can also experience glandular stone disease, you know! This is similar to kidney stones. Saliva is formed in the salivary glands, then flows into our mouths. Sometimes, the chemicals in saliva can crystallize to form small stones and can block saliva from entering the mouth.
9. Saliva contains natural pain killers The compound, called opiorphin, was discovered in 2006 and is estimated to be a painkiller up to six times stronger than morphine. According to a paper published on the findings, opiorphins appear to be inhibitors of pain perception.
10. Chewing gum is good for dental health But make sure the gum you chew doesn't contain sugar. By chewing gum, saliva production will increase and it is good for our dental health.
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