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The functions of saliva
1Clinical Investigations and Patient Care Branch, National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
Dysphagia
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Saliva production is crucial for oral health, requiring adequate fluid and specific protein secretion. Decreased salivary function can negatively impact oral homeostasis due to various causes.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oral health is significantly influenced by salivary gland function.
- Saliva production involves both adequate fluid volume and specific protein secretion.
- Proper oral function relies on these salivary components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of saliva secretion.
- To describe the consequences of diminished salivary function.
- To outline key components for maintaining oral homeostasis.
- To identify common causes of salivary hypofunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of salivary gland physiology and function.
- Synthesis of information on salivary components and oral homeostasis.
- Analysis of factors contributing to salivary hypofunction.
Main Results:
- Saliva secretion is a complex physiological process.
- Reduced saliva impairs oral functions and homeostasis.
- Specific proteins are essential for saliva's protective roles.
- Numerous factors can lead to salivary hypofunction.
Conclusions:
- Understanding saliva secretion is key to oral health.
- Salivary hypofunction has significant oral health implications.
- Maintaining salivary function is vital for oral homeostasis.