What is Saliva?

We all know what saliva is in a way. We are familiar with spit; we know saliva is being constantly produced in our mouths,but why is saliva really there? Saliva actually has many jobs, from cleaning your teeth, helping with digestion, and fighting away bacteria.

Facts About Saliva 

• Salivary production is linked to overall body fluid balance and blood flow through salivary gland tissues.
• Circadian cycles influence salivation: salivary flow peaks in the late afternoon, and diminishes to almost zero during sleep.
• Olfactory stimulation temporarily increases salivary output.
• Anxiety and depression decrease salivary flow.
• Chewing gum increases resting and stimulated salivary flow.
• Salivary flow is lower when sitting than when standing, and it is lower still when lying down.
• Salivary output is reduced by 3% to 40% if an individual is blindfolded or in the dark.
• Physical exercise produces sympathetic stimulation, which can diminish salivation.
• Estrogen and testosterone increase resting salivary flow.

Saliva is important to teeth because it protects and repairs your enamel. The enamel is the last line of defense before bacteria infects the tooth. Saliva may be linked to a lot of gross things, but its health benefits are nothing to be ignored. If you have any further questions, contact Lifetime Smiles today.