In this post from Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township, we are going to review the complexity and importance of your saliva.
Don’t be squeamish! Your saliva is a finely balanced body fluid that not only helps maintain dental health, but also helps with the digestion of your food.
So, without further ado, here are the main components of saliva.
- Water. No surprise here! Your saliva is comprised of water, for the most part.
- Enzymes. Enzymes are important biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
- Immunoproteins. These are powerful cells that fight invaders, such as bacteria. The immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is crucial for avoiding gingivitis and keeping the appropriate pH balance in the mouth.
- Minerals. Saliva minerals aid in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.
Most people produce enough saliva, but some suffer from a condition called dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. Dry mouth can be dangerous to your dental health, so be sure to speak with us if you are experiencing this.
At Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Shelby Township, we are committed to the dental health of every patient. Patients from Washington Township, Macomb, and Lakeside come to our office for general and cosmetic dentistry. Call us for an appointment today!
Contact Ray McKinley DDS & Brittany McKinley-Holloway DDS — McKinley General, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry:
586-685-0880
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
45665 Village Blvd
Shelby Township, Michigan
48315
