Salivary Glands Flashcards
What are examples of different oral fluids
Saliva Gingival crevicular fluid Oral Bacteria Food debris Epithelia cells
What are the protective functions of oral fluids
Cleansing Mucosal protection Buffering Remineralisation Antimicrobial
What are the digestive functions of oral fluids
Taste
Contains digestive enzymes
Lubricates bonus for chewing and swallowing
What is a symptom for salivary gland disease
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
What can reduced salivary flow cause
Increased incidence of dental caries specifically on the buccal and labial surfaces
Are salivary glands endocrine or exocrine
Exocrine
What are the major (paired) salivary glands
Parotid
Submandibular
Sublingual
What are the minor salivary glands
Buccal (in cheek)
Labial (in lip)
Lingual (in tongue)
Palatial (in hard and soft palate)
What type of secretions does the parotid gland secrete
Serous
What type of secretions does the submandibular gland secrete
Mixed (both serous and mucous)
What type of secretions does the sublingual gland secrete
Mucous
What type of secretions does the buccal gland secrete
Mucous
What type of secretions does the labial gland secrete
Mucous
What type of secretions does the lingual gland secrete
Mixed (both serous and mucous)
What is gingival crevicular fluid
Crevicular of sulcular fluid form epithelium lining the gingival crevice
Little found in healthy gingivae but flow increases with inflammation - gingivitis
How much is the daily salivary flow
Average of 500-700ml
When does the parotid gland stop functioning
When sleeping
What factors affect unstimulated salivary flow rate
State of hydration Previous stimulation Circadian rhythm Circannual rhythm Medications Salivary gland disease
What are the functions of fluoride ions in saliva
Antibacterial
Forms fluroapatite
Promotes remineralisation
What is the function of calcium and phosphate ions in saliva
Remineralisation
What is the function of Thiocyanate (SCN) ions in saliva
Antibacterial
What is the function of bicarbonate ions in saliva
Buffering
How does bicarbonate ions work as salivary buffers
Effective at high flow rates when [HCO3] is high
When are phosphate ions important as salivary buffers
Important at rest
What effects do proteins have as salivary buffers
Limited effect as main buffering action occurs at pH<5
How does bacterial NH3 act as a salivary buffer
Has a role in buffering plaque acid
What is salivary composed of
Inorganic
- Water - 99.5%
- Ions - 0.2%
Organic
- Mainly proteins - 0.3%
- Carbohydrates of lipids