Do You Know How Saliva Helps Your Smile?

July 19, 2018

Your body is a wondrous organism with moving parts that have different functions and jobs that all work together. The more that the human body is studied, the more cool and interesting functions are discovered. Parts of our body that we may not think are super important may actually have a lot of really important jobs to do. Take for instance, your saliva. Saliva is the watery substance produced by the salivary glands in your mouth. Human saliva is made up of water, enzymes, electrolytes, mucus, and white blood cells. Saliva performs many jobs that help your smile and the rest of your body. Your dentist in Olathe, KS, can help your smile, too!

Natural Rinsing Agent

High acidity levels in your smile can be caused by the foods you eat and the drinks you drink (it can also be caused by your body’s own biology). Brushing and flossing help remove harmful acid, and drinking plenty of water can help, too. However, your saliva is your mouth’s natural rinsing agent and neutralizer. Your enamel helps to keep harmful acid at bay, which helps keep tooth decay and gum disease away. If you suffer from dry mouth, your mouth may be more susceptible to these conditions.

Unlocking Food’s Flavor

Your saliva helps you to taste your food by being the liquid transportation to carry food’s chemicals to your taste receptor cells. When someone has a chronic dry mouth, they often complain of not being able to taste very well.

Easing Chewing and Swallowing

If your mouth was free of saliva, you would have a hard time eating. The saliva in your mouth is one of the first agents of your digestive process (the process of breaking down foods for your body to gain nutrients from it). Saliva helps make food easier to swallow, too. If you have a dry mouth, it can make it difficult for you to eat.

Don’t ignore a dry mouth

A dry mouth is a lack of saliva production, which can be problematic. To schedule a consultation call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Spring Hill, Osawatomie, Edgerton, Shawnee, Johnson County, De Soto, Paola, Lawrence, and all surrounding communities.