[Saliva and dentures]
H A de Koomen1, W A van Velzen
1Vakgroep Prothetische Tandheelkunde, Academisch Centrum voor Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA).
Abstract:
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.
Related Concept Videos
Salivary Glands and Saliva
Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
The Oral Microbiota
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.

