Saliva Flashcards
What is saliva?
Glandular secretion which bathes teeth and oral mucosa
What are 3 major components of saliva?
- Water
- Proteins / Glycoproteins
- Electrolytes
Why is saliva fluid not lost?
It is swallowed and reabsorbed by gut
What 4 glands are responsible for saliva production?
- Parotid gland
- Submandibular gland
- Sublingual gland
- Minor salivary glands
What are salivary outputs from the glands when unstimulated?
Parotid - 20%
Submandibular - 65%
Sublingual - 8%
Minor - 7%
What are salivary outputs from the glands when stimulated?
Parotid - 50%
Submandibular - 35%
Sublingual - 8%
Minor - 7%
Where is the parotid gland located?
In front of ear and behind the ramus of the mandible
Where does the parotid gland duct open?
Into the cheek opposite the 2nd molar of the upper jaw
Where is the submandibular gland located?
Between body of the mandible and floor of the mouth
Where does the submandibular gland duct open?
Floor of the mouth underneath anterior part of the tongue
Where is the sublingual gland located?
Floor of the mouth beneath sublingual folds of mucous membrane
Where does the sublingual gland duct open?
Numerous ducts open on the summit of the sublingual fold
What are 3 main features of unstimulated saliva?
- Confers most protection
- Importance of minor and submandibular output
- Low output during sleep
What are 3 main features of stimulated saliva?
- Protection during mastication (chewing)
- Assists in deglutition (swallowing)
- Importance of parotid output
What are the two cells of the salivary glands?
- Serous
2. Mucous
Name 8 functions of saliva
- Cleansing
- Buffering
- Remineralisation
- Food Preparation
- Digestion
- Antimicrobial
- Taste
- Speech
What is the function of bicarbonate found in saliva?
Buffering system at high flow rates i.e. when eating
How does bicarbonate carry out its function as a buffer?
Pushes pH of saliva up to 8 to buffer against acidic foods
What is the function of calcium and phosphate ions found in saliva?
Remineralisation and provide protection against caries
What is a negative side effect of calcium and phosphate ions found in saliva?
It can lead to calculus formation
What is calculus?
Plaque and mineralised salts
Name 4 enzymes found in saliva and their function
- Lactoperoxidase - Inhibits bacterial metabolism
- Lysozyme - Acts on cell wall of bacteria
- Amylase - Aids starch digestion
- Lipase - Aids lipid digestion
Where is amylase produced in the oral cavity?
Parotid gland
Name 4 antimicrobials found in saliva
- sIgA
- Lactoferrin
- Histatins
- Defensins
What are 2 functions of mucins found in saliva?
- Lubrication (MUC5B)
2. Agglutinating properties towards oral bacteria (MUC7)
What are 4 other components of whole saliva?
- Blood and/or derivatives
- Extrinsic substances e.g. food debris
- Oral mucosal lining cells
- Micro-organisms
What 5 things can interfere with saliva production?
- Diseases (local or systemic)
- Medications
- Head or neck radiation
- Chemotherapy
Give 3 examples of local disease which can affect saliva production
- Obstructive diseases e.g. neoplasms
- Inflammatory diseases e.g. sialadenitis
- Degree of hydration
Give 3 examples of systemic diseases which can affect saliva production
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Sarcoidosis
- Cystic fibrosis
What is xerostomia?
Dry mouth
