Saliva Flashcards
What much saliva do we produce day and night
1-1.5 litres during day
10ml at night
Composition of saliva
Water 99%
Organic and inorganic substance 1%
Why is whole/mixed saliva found in oral cavity different to pure saliva produced in the glands
Gingival crevicular fluid secreted from inflamed gingival pockets is part of whole saliva when periodontal disease is present.
Along with food, epithelial cells and bacteria.
What is the resting range pH of saliva
6.7-7.4
What can vary the pH of saliva
Time of day
What has been eaten
Those with a lower pH tend to…
Get more caries
Those with a higher pH tend to…
Produce more calculus
What are the main organic components found in saliva
- Proteins; mucin and enzymes
- Immunoglobulins
- Waste products
- Cells
- Food debris
- Hormones
What properties do many proteins in the saliva possess?
Antibacterial
Agglutination
Immunoglobulins aid in disposal of bacteria by clumping them together and making them unable to cling to oral cavity surfaces.
Works with serous saliva.
What component gives saliva a sticky/viscous consistency?
Mucin
2 types of mucin proteins
Muco-proteins
Glyco-proteins
By products of cell metabolism found in saliva
Urea; can neutralise acid
Uric acid
Ammonia; raises pH
What cell products are found in saliva
Worn out/dead epithelial cells
White blood cells (leukocytes in gingival crevicular fluid)
Commensal bacterial cells (do not harm human health)
What hormones are present in saliva?
Oestrogen and progesterone
Main inorganic components found in saliva
Ions (mineral salts)
Gas
Main function of ions in saliva
Buffering effect to try maintain neutral pH levels
What ion plays a major role in caries and calculus formation
Calcium phosphate
Gas components found in saliva
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Carbon dioxide
Main functions of saliva
Protection
Buffering
Digestion
Taste
Antimicrobial
Tooth integrity
How does saliva protect
Glyco proteins lubricate soft tissues this helps to;
- protect from abrasion
- aid speech
- maintain healthy mucosa
- cleansing effect
- form salivary pellicle
What proteins aids with the breakdown of food and forming bolus
Salivary amylase
How does saliva impact taste
Taste sensation can only be detected when substances are in a solution
What are patients with xerostomia at increased risk of?
Deposition of plaque
Caries
Periodontal disease
How does saliva aid with tooth integrity
Ions in saliva act as a fluoride reservoir and aid in maturation of enamel in newly erupted teeth and repair from acid attacks.
Main ways saliva protects against caries?
- first layer of salivary pellicle protects against acid
- inorganic ions buffering pH to help maintain neutral
- serous saliva and its cleansing effect
Ionic see-saw
Although the saliva buffering system can reduce extent of pH fall, during prolonged sugar attacks in the mouth this can exhaust the buffering system to contain ion removal.
What stimulates salivation
Sensory inputs;
Sight
Smell
Taste
What nerves supply the saliva glands and control salivation
Sympathetic
Parasympathetic
Role of sympathetic stimulation in salivation
Reduces saliva flow due to vasoconstriction.
(Stressful situations)
Role of parasympathetic stimulation during salivation
Increases salivary flow due to vasodilation.
(Relaxed)
Factors that may cause increase saliva flow
Mastication
Gingival conditions
Hunger
Smell/sight of food
Teething in babies
Factors that may decrease saliva flow
Diabetes
Alcohol
Drugs
Fear
Radiotherapy
Surgery
Medical conditions that can impact saliva flow
Parkinson’s
Diabetes
HIV/AIDS
Sjögren’s syndrome
Radiation/chemotherapy
Saliva gland disorders
