Why saliva is so important for the mouth and digestion

It acts as a lubricant during a delicate time for our body. It also protects teeth, heals small wounds, and changes the taste of foods and drinks.

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baby saliva
La saliva It is a liquid made up of 99 percent water and produced by salivary glands (parotid, sublingual and submandibular). It performs several important functions for the mouth and digestion, becoming a sort of lubricant when the digestive process begins. Apart from water, the remaining 1 percent of saliva contains inorganic substances, mineral salts and in particular calcium bicarbonate, Potassium and sodium. The pH of saliva is neutral, with a value between 6,5 and 7,5: below this threshold it means that theoral hygiene it is insufficient or that the body has a problem related to the intake of too fatty drinks and foods.
 

How it is formed 

These are the stimuli that induce the secretion of saliva, also known as secretory stimuli, and can be:

  • Due to food or objects
  • Triggered by flavors and scents
  • Stimulated through the view
  • Activated by memory through sensory memory

Certain stimuli activate cell receptors located in the mouth or deeper inside that send a signal to parts of the autonomic nervous systemFrom the latter, new signals are sent that activate the salivary glands.

What is it for

 Saliva has several functions, all very important:

  • La digestion Food begins in the mouth, thanks to saliva which acts as a lubricating agent.
  • It protects against microorganisms introduced into the mouth with food, thanks to an antibacterial agent called lysozyme.
  • Protects the teeth and the oral cavity. 
  • It makes speaking easier, also because it lubricates the oral cavity. It also aids in articulation and phonation.
  • It is a disinfectant and healing agent thanks to a molecule called histatin, which has antimicrobial and healing properties. Histatin accelerates wound healing.
  • Contains substances such as lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, immunoglobulin A (IgA) e lactoferrin, which help control the growth of bacteria and maintain the balance of the oral microbiota. 
  • Eliminates residues and harmful substances: helps “wash” the mouth, removing food residue, dead cells and toxins. 

How Saliva Changes Taste

The latest research demonstrates a particular aptitude of saliva: change and direct the taste of what we eat and drinkA Chinese research from Hangzhou University, published in theAnnual Review of Food Science and Technology, starts from the assumption that when we eat, We don't just taste food, but a mixture of ingredients, including saliva. And it's saliva that changes the taste of food.

The researchers, for example, focused on why a smooth drink tastes sweeter than a frizzante. And the discovery was this: saliva prevents carbon dioxide bubbles from flowing between the tongue and the palate. The bubbles block the sugars, preventing them from reaching the taste receptors on the tongue; if the drink is still, however, there are no bubbles to block the sweet taste.

Hypersalivation

Hypersalivation involves a excessive increase in salivary gland activity in secreting saliva. Although for short periods it should not be a cause for concern, in some cases, especially if prolonged over time, they can be the symptom of some latent condition o lack of oral hygiene.

In case of hidden pathologies, you may be dealing with:

But also other medical conditions that require the attention of a specialist.

When salivation isn't related to other conditions, it's important to evaluate oral hygiene and adopt more effective measures. However, there are no universal remedies, but rather targeted treatments based on the specific problem.

Hyposalivation

On the contrary, thehyposalivation It is a particular condition in which the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to swallow or complete tasks in the mouth.

Dry mouth or xerostomia They involve recognizing the underlying condition that's causing this symptom. Therefore, it's important to consult a doctor and seek a thorough diagnosis to understand the underlying causes.

If it is not possible to solve the problem, you can consider adopting techniques and remedies to alleviate the symptoms:

  • Priority to oral hygiene, even by choosing a good mouthwash
  • Avoid the antihistamines or decongestants
  • Reduce consumption of sugary and carbonated drinks, preferring still water
  • Delete the cigarette smoke
  • Reduce consumption and avoid caffeine, alcohol and spices,
  • Thinking about chewing gum with xylitol (in moderation)

Additionally, it can help to drink small sips of water frequently, and avoid sweets, gum, or similar foods with added sugar.

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