Organic And Inorganic Components Of Saliva Flashcards
What are some inorganic components in saliva?
CH(A)NPS FB
Hydrogen ions
Bicarbonate ions
Potassium ions
Sodium ions
Calcium ions
Magnesium ions
Phosphate ions
Fluoride ions
What’s the function of H+ in saliva?
-pH
-enzyme activity
-mineralisation of teeth
-maintaining ionic product for hydroxyapatite
What happens to the pH conc. when the flow rate increases?
PH increases
What’s the function of HCO3- in saliva?
-pH buffer
What needs to increase for the HCO3- conc. in saliva to increase?
Metabolic rate of salivary glands
What’s the purpose of K+ and Na+ in Saliva?
- ‘counter’ ions to preserve neutral pH
K+ counter for PO3-
Na+ counter for HCO3-
What happens to the K+ conc. when saliva flow rate increases?
Stays at the same level
What happens to the Na+ conc. when saliva flow rate increases?
Increases
What’s the function of Ca2+ in saliva?
- remineralisation
- forms complexes with calcium-binding salivary proteins
What’s the role of Mg2+ in saliva?
Unclear
What happens to the Ca2+ conc. when saliva flow rate increases?
Stays at the same level
What happens to the Mg2+ conc. when saliva flow rate increases?
Decreases
What’s the function of PO3- in saliva?
- pH buffer
- maintenance of ionic product for hydroxyapatite
What happens to the PO3- conc. when saliva flow rate increases?
Decrease
What’s the function of fluoride ions in saliva?
-accumulates in porous enamel/dentine
-replaces -OH in hydroxyapatite structure
-remineralisation
What elements make up hydroxyapatite?
Ca
OH
PO4
What’s the most important inorganic component in saliva to maintain pH
HCO3-
Why are Ca, F, POates important
Mineralise the teeth
When does fluoride go in and replace the calcium?
Toothpaste, drinking water
According to Stephans curve, what’s the critical pH level at which demineralisation can occur?
5.5pH
How long does it take for saliva buffering system to restore neutral pH after it drops below the critical pH?
20-40mins
True or false: increased flow rate=decreased pH
False = more HCO3- released which increases pH
What does xerostomia mean?
Dry mouth
What can xerostomia be caused by?
Radiotherapy
