[Saliva and dentures]

Saliva plays an important role in the functioning of full dentures. A prosthesis does not rest on bare mucous membranes but on an interposed salivary film. This pellicle, mainly consisting of mucin glycoproteins, protects the tissues from injury caused by the denture base. The retention of the complete upper denture, and in a lesser degree of the lower, is also dependent on the salivary layer between the denture base and the oral tissues. A combination of several physical factors results in an adhesion. In order to achieve an optimal effect of these adhesive forces, the manufacturing of the dentures as well as the long term aftercare should meet a number of requirements, described in this article.