As Thanksgiving approaches and your family reflects on what they’re grateful for, it’s unlikely that saliva is on that list. Yet, this often-overlooked fluid plays an important role in protecting your oral health. It’s time to take a moment and give this crafty concoction the recognition it deserves!
If you’re curious about why saliva is the real hero of the hour, continue reading. You’ll learn more than you ever thought there was to know about your spit.
It Helps Digestion
Your teeth often get all the credit when it comes to the first step of digestion. However, your saliva does at least half the work! It quietly moistens your food, injecting chemical enzymes that help dissolve and break it down. This process extracts nutrients from what you’re eating and helps distribute them to your teeth and other vital areas.
Once the food is all broken up, saliva helps lubricate the path for your food to travel down. The next time you swallow and your food slides smoothly, whisper a “thank you” for saliva.
It’s a Natural Tooth Cleanser
Beyond aiding digestion, saliva acts as a natural cleaner for your teeth. It neutralizes acids, combats harmful bacteria, and rinses away food particles that could lead to plaque formation.
Saliva also contains essential minerals like calcium and phosphate. These minerals are vital for strengthening tooth enamel and maintaining a strong, healthy smile.
It Can Help Dentists Detect Dental Issues
Beyond its digestive and cleansing roles, saliva serves as a valuable diagnostic tool for dentists. Your saliva can provide some insights into your oral health like detecting disease, cavities, or the presence of medications. This knowledge can be used by dentists to truly customize your treatment plan.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to acknowledge the unspoken hero in your mouth—your saliva. Your spit can’t talk back, but if it could, it would certainly be happy for your praise. Your second-best option is to schedule an appointment with your dentist and thank them!
About the Practice
Dr. Mickey Leth and Dr. Bert Tavary are your professional dental duo at Salt Run Family Dentistry. These two experts in dentistry offer customized treatment plans that will solve all your dental woes in one place. Their friendly staff and welcoming office environment will put your mind at ease with every visit. To schedule an appointment, call (904) 824-3540 or visit the website to learn more about the services they provide.