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Saliva and dental diseases.
1Department of Dental Research, Rochester Caries Research Center, University of Rochester, New York.
Current Opinion in Dentistry
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Understanding saliva functions and salivary gland physiology is key to preventing dental disease. Advances in this area will lead to better therapies for oral pathology and identify those at risk.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Dental research
- Physiology
Background:
- Saliva plays a crucial role in preventing dental diseases.
- Understanding salivary gland function is vital for oral health.
- Salivary gland dysfunction has significant oral health consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the functions of salivary components.
- To understand the mechanisms of salivary gland physiology.
- To develop rationales for preventing and treating oral pathology.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on saliva functions.
- Analysis of salivary gland physiology mechanisms.
- Evaluation of techniques for assessing salivary gland function and composition.
Main Results:
- Recent research has significantly advanced the understanding of saliva's functions.
- Elucidation of salivary components and gland physiology is ongoing.
- Simple techniques exist for evaluating salivary gland status.
Conclusions:
- Advances in understanding saliva and salivary glands will benefit patients with oral pathology.
- Identifying individuals susceptible to oral disease can be improved through functional assessments.
- Further research into salivary gland physiology is essential for therapeutic development.