Why is salivation important?
Saliva moistens the mouth for comfort, lubricates as you chew and swallow, and neutralizes harmful acids. It also kills germs and prevents bad breath, defends against tooth decay and gum disease, protects enamel, and speeds up wound healing.
What are the three purposes of saliva?
Saliva acts in relation to taste, mastication, bolus formation, enzymatic digestion, and swallowing. The protective functions of saliva including maintenance of dental and mucosal integrity indirectly influence the digestive process [15].
How is saliva used in forensics?
Saliva is often detected in scenes of crime along with bite marks or lip prints where the oral cavity may have been involved. Serological and cellular analysis of thus obtained saliva is of immense use in identification of the accused.
Why is saliva important for oral health?
Saliva plays a significant role in maintaining oral health, helping to build and maintain the health of soft and hard tissues. When saliva flow is reduced, oral health problems such as dental caries and oral infections can develop. Saliva is an exocrine solution consisting of 99% water.
What are 4 functions of saliva?
Saliva has various functions.
- Cleaning effect of washing away food debris.
- Makes swallowing food easier.
- Antibacterial effect of fighting off bacteria entering the mouth.
- Lubricating effect that protects mucous membranes.
- pH buffering effect that prevents caries.
- Effect of promoting remineralization of teeth.
What causes salivation?
Drooling is usually caused by excess saliva in the mouth. Medical conditions such as acid reflux and pregnancy can increase saliva production. Allergies, tumors, and above-the-neck infections such as strep throat, tonsil infection, and sinusitis can all impair swallowing.
Is saliva individual evidence?
Saliva usually contains cells sloughed from the lining of the mouth; these cells contain DNA and so DNA profiling can be used to associate the stain with an individual. However it is not such a rich source of DNA as blood or semen and the chance of successfully obtaining a DNA profile from saliva is variable.
What is primary function of saliva?
The digestive functions of saliva include moistening food, and helping to create a food bolus, so it can be swallowed easily. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase that breaks some starches down into maltose and dextrin. Thus, digestion of food occurs within the mouth, even before food reaches the stomach.