A general dentist has a wealth of information on a variety of oral-health-related topics. It is the dentist's job to bestow this knowledge onto all patients, even for mouth functions that may be widely overlooked.
Saliva plays an important role in our mouths, and without it, our oral health would be a disaster. Education about saliva is important, and learning from an experienced general dentist is valuable for any dental patient wanting to better their oral health.
Saliva is a fluid substance formed in the mouths of animals and humans. Human saliva is composed of 99.5 percent water. The other half percent is a combination of electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, enzymes and other antimicrobial agents naturally produced by the body. There are even small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, an antibacterial compound, found in saliva. The enzymes work with the water to fight bacteria and break down food.
Saliva serves many important purposes in the mouth. For one, the enzymes in the fluid start the process of digestion before the food has even left the mouth. Those enzymes start to break down food the second they enter the mouth, working especially well on starches and fats.
Saliva serves as a rinsing agent for the teeth and washes them effectively after every meal and snack. The fluid breaks down food particles that can get stuck in between teeth. By making these crumbs smaller, it helps to prevent the formation of cavities. Tooth decay takes hold when residue and particles are leftover on tooth surfaces from eating or drinking. If saliva was not there to save the day, our teeth would be much more susceptible to cavities.
Harmful bacteria in the mouth are counteracted when there is a good amount of healthy saliva to dilute the bacteria. Bacteria feed off of carbohydrates in the mouth and produce acid as waste during digestion. This acid eats away at the enamel, and that is what causes tooth decay. Saliva carries leftover food particles away from the teeth and into the digestive system.
Another helpful characteristic of this vital fluid, saliva acts as a lubricating liquid. It wets food and allows easier swallowing. It also serves as a protector of the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity and prevents dehydration of this tissue.
Since saliva is mostly made of water, one sign of dehydration and other health issues is the presence of dry mouth or lack of sufficient saliva production. Saliva helps us digest and even taste food, and without it, the system comes to a grinding halt. Little to no saliva production affects more than just thirst.
Symptoms of dry mouth include cracked lips, sores at the corners of the mouth and a rough, dry tongue. Swallowing becomes more difficult, as does speaking. With decreased saliva, the mouth starts to go through some negative changes. Since the fluid is not able to flush the food particles and debris out of the mouth, it can cause bad breath. Feeling hoarse or a dry cough originating from a tickle in the throat could mean dry mouth.
At our general dentistry office, we strive to arm patients with knowledge. If you are experiencing any symptoms of dry mouth, it could mean other health issues are present. Make an appointment as soon as possible to get your mouth back to health.
Request an appointment here: https://www.bryancousindmd.com or call Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the North Shore at (781) 443-8268 for an appointment in our Swampscott office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Everyone should visit the general dentist twice a year. At these visits, the dentist can catch any oral health issues and treat them before they become more serious. During the visits, usually once a year, you will need x-rays to check on the parts of your mouth that your dentist can’t see with the naked…
Fixing a broken tooth right away is important. This dental damage may seem like nothing more than a cosmetic problem, but it can lead to terrible consequences. Seeing a dentist sooner rather than later can provide immediate relief. If you want to find out the treatments for a broken tooth and its complications, here are…
General dentistry offices are responsible for the primary dental care of people of all ages. Dentists perform routine care and maintenance to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. The visits also help dentists diagnose dental issues that may not have obvious symptoms yet. Many people wonder how often they should see their dentist. The answer…
A general dentist can help decrease the risk of dental infection, helping you have a better weekend.Are you in need of a dental checkup? Has it been more than six months since your last appointment? Then visit our general dentist office for the treatment and professional cleaning you need. Along with checking for signs of…
Practicing good oral hygiene basics is essential for keeping beautiful, strong teeth and gums as well as staying healthy throughout the entire body. Here are four of the most common ways to ensure excellent oral health and hygiene.Dentists recommend that everyone brush their teeth at least two times per day for two minutes each session.…
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are oral hygiene basics, but what about using mouthwash? Is it an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy.Except for fluoride rinses, mouthwashes are generally not part of the daily oral care routine recommended by dentists, but that does not mean it has no value. Using mouthwash correctly can…