ROLE OF SALIVA
Saliva initiates digestion and absorb the food bowl. As the lubricant, it facilitates the chewing and swallowing.
Other major role, saliva neutralizes oral acidity. A drop of saliva secretion increases and the acidity can cause caries and gingivitis. Saliva enhances remineralization of the enamel and thus repairs the micro changes which undergoes daily enamel of our teeth. Note: in case of repeated snacking saliva did not have time to play a protective role against the development of bacteria.
Finally, saliva has a healing power on the internal wounds, especially caused by chewing. It contains some proteins capable of destroying foreign microorganisms and reduce the risk of candidiasis.
DECREASED SALIVARY FLOW
Saliva flow can sometimes decrease. Saliva then runs out, either because of an autoimmune disease (Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis), or after irradiation of the salivary glands by radiotherapy of the head and neck, or even when taking certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants or antipsychotics.