Saliva (Saliva)

Saliva (Saliva): composition, functions and significance for the body

Saliva is an alkaline liquid secreted by the large salivary glands and glands of the oral mucosa. It plays an important role in maintaining oral health and has a variety of effects on the body as a whole.

Composition of saliva

The main components of saliva are water (up to 99.5%), mucus, buffers, enzymes (glucosidase and amylase), mucopolysaccharides, glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, salts, electrolytes. Water, of course, is the main component of saliva, but other components also play an important role.

Saliva contains mucus, which helps moisturize the mouth, makes it easier to swallow food, and protects the mouth from injury and irritation. Buffers, such as bicarbonates, help maintain optimal pH levels in the mouth, minimizing changes in acidity that can compromise the health of teeth and gums.

Enzymes such as glucosidase and amylase help begin the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth. Mucopolysaccharides and glycoproteins also play an important role in protecting the oral cavity and preventing the development of infections. Immunoglobulins, such as IgA, help protect the body from infections.

Functions of saliva

Saliva performs several important functions in the body. It moisturizes the oral cavity, facilitates the process of swallowing food and minimizes changes in the acidity of the oral cavity. In addition, saliva begins the digestion of carbohydrates in the oral cavity.

Saliva also cleanses the mouth by removing food debris and bacteria. It has a bactericidal effect, killing many types of bacteria that can cause infections. Saliva also helps protect teeth from tooth decay and other dental and gum diseases.

The importance of saliva for the body

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health and has a variety of effects on the body as a whole. Not having enough saliva can lead to dry mouth, difficulty swallowing food, tooth and gum disease, and other health problems.

Some diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and SBP, can cause decreased saliva production. Treatment for such conditions may include the use of medications that help increase saliva production.

In addition, saliva testing can be used to diagnose certain diseases, such as AIDS, hepatitis, celiac disease and others. Saliva can also be used for genetics and pharmacology research.

The amount of saliva produced by the body can vary depending on various factors such as age, gender, eating habits and health. About 1 liter of saliva is produced during the day.

Saliva can also affect the taste and smell of food, so its absence or insufficient amount can lead to decreased appetite.

Conclusion

Saliva is an important body fluid that plays a role in maintaining oral health and has a variety of effects on the body as a whole. It contains many components such as water, mucus, buffers, enzymes, mucopolysaccharides, glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, salts and electrolytes, which perform various functions in the body.

Saliva moistens the mouth, makes it easier to swallow food, and minimizes changes in oral acidity. It also begins the digestion of carbohydrates in the oral cavity, cleanses the oral cavity and has a bactericidal effect. Insufficient saliva can lead to various health problems, so it is important to maintain adequate levels.

Saliva testing can be used to diagnose certain diseases, as well as for genetics and pharmacology research. The amount of saliva produced by the body can vary depending on various factors, so it is important to take them into account when assessing the level of saliva in the body.

Overall, saliva is an important fluid for maintaining oral and overall health. Regular oral care, including brushing your teeth and using oral care products, helps maintain optimal saliva levels and prevent various health problems.

Saliva is an alkaline liquid that is produced in the large salivary glands and glands of the human oral mucosa. It plays an important role in maintaining the health of the oral cavity and the entire body as a whole.

Saliva consists of water (up to 99.5%), mucus, buffers, enzymes (glucosidase and amylase), mucoproteins, glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, salts and electrolytes. It performs several functions in the human body:

1. Moisturize the mouth: Saliva moistens the mouth, which helps prevent dryness and irritation of the mucous membranes. This is especially important when consuming foods or drinks that may cause dry mouth.
2. Makes swallowing easier: Saliva also makes swallowing easier as it helps soften food and improve its taste.
3. Minimize changes in acidity: Saliva has a low level of acidity, which helps minimize changes in oral acidity. This helps maintain normal oral microflora and prevent the development of caries and other dental diseases.
4. Digesting carbohydrates: Saliva contains enzymes that help digest carbohydrates such as starches and sugars. This promotes better absorption of nutrients and prevents the development of gastrointestinal diseases.
5. Bactericidal effect: Saliva has bactericidal properties and helps protect the oral cavity from infections. It contains immunoglobulins and other proteins that fight bacteria and viruses that cause disease.

In addition, saliva plays an important role in cleansing the oral cavity of food debris and bacteria. It also helps reduce bad breath and improve overall oral health.

During the day, a person secretes about 1 liter of saliva, so its role in the body is very important. However, if the saliva becomes too thick or sticky, it can lead to digestive problems and other illnesses.