Saliva: Your Defense Against Cavities

Have you wondered about the purpose of saliva? It may get a bad rep, but your spit is an important part of your overall oral health. It consists of enzymes, proteins, and minerals that are crucial for a healthy mouth! Your body also uses saliva to communicate a variety of responses.

Your Mouth’s Protector

Saliva is on a mission to fight off cavities and defend your teeth from bacteria! Cavities form when acidic byproducts from bacteria and food build up over time. To prevent them from developing, saliva flow helps wash away food debris after eating. It also helps neutralize remaining acids and remineralize your tooth enamel.

Dry Mouth

What happens when you have a lack of saliva? Many people experience dry mouth which should not be overlooked as a minor inconvenience. When your mouth dries up, it leaves your teeth without protection, and therefore, your mouth is more susceptible to developing cavities and gum disease. Saliva production can decrease due to age, medication, dehydration, and certain diseases.

Boosting Saliva

Whether you experience temporary or long-lasting dry mouth symptoms, here are a few things you can do to help relieve them:

• Drink water throughout the day
• Chew sugar-free gum
• Take over-the-counter saliva substitutes like sprays or drops

If you’ve been struggling with dry mouth for quite some time, book an appointment with the closest Monarch Dental office near you. You’ll want to get it checked sooner than later and our dental team can come up with a treatment plan to boost your saliva game!