102 Saliva Flashcards
What is saliva produced by?
Specialised exocrine glands
How many litres of salvia are produced a day?
0.5 - 1.0 litre/day
How many proteins have been identified in human saliva?
437 proteins
What are the functions of saliva lubrication?
Saliva lubrication of musicians and water allows food to be swallowed without damaging tissues
What is the main mineral in enamel, bone and dental tissue?
Hydroxyapatite
What is the critical pH where enamel is going to start demineralising?
Critical pH (5.5)
What do carbonated drinks (fizzy) contain?
Fizzy drinks contain fermentable carbohydrates (sugars) and CO2.
What does a lowered pH do to enamel?
Lowered pH —> demineralisation of enamel
What is a lactoperoxidase?
Lactoperoxidase is an enzyme that generates hypothiocyanite anion.
What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is a secreted iron-binding protein.
What is the normal saliva flow rate?
0.5ml/min
What is the hypo salivation flow rate?
< 0.1ml/min
What is the clinical title for reduced salivary flow?
Xerostomia (hyposalivation)
What clinical problems may be caused by xerostomia?
- Difficulty talking, eating and wearing dentures
- Loss of taste
- Pain - ulceration
- High susceptibility to dental caries
What are the causes of salivary gland hypo function?
- Medication-induced xerostomia
- Radiation therapy to head and neck
- Autoimmune diseases
- Severe immunodeficiency
- Menopause
- Eating disorders (dehydration)
- Type I diabetes
- Depression
