When the amount of saliva decreases or composition is altered, cause problems such as dry mouth, dental caries and calculus.
Although saliva is extremely essential for maintaining oral health, we rarely stop to think about its importance. This is why we decided to comment you the importance that really does in our body.
That saliva is not only responsible for assisting in digestion and food processing, it also protects the inner surface of the mouth and teeth because of its alkaline pH neutralizes the acids produced by plaque. In addition, it protects the inner surface of the mouth is used to diagnose diabetes, oral cancer and periodontal diseases in general, gives teeth the calcium and phosphate necessary for remineralisation; is a powerful reservoir of fluorine, and dilutes and removes sugars in the mouth.
When the amount of saliva decreases or composition is altered, cause problems such as dry mouth, dental caries and calculus. In addition there is a condition called xerostomia, which brings trouble speaking, eating and even to support the structure of the teeth, which can trigger the loss of one or more pieces. It is also common for people with this disorder manifest pain and irritation in the mucosa and to feel that their language is constantly irritated and when burned with a hot food.
If, however, the saliva is too abundant, often occurring erosive lesions on the lips or skin of the face that edge. This is compounded by the uncomfortable feeling that must support those who constantly feel his mouth full of ‘water’ and to talk, eat or sleep lost control.
Alterations
Factors such as the number of teeth in the mouth, dehydration, age, sex, mouth breathing or psychological issues like stress and anxiety can reduce the flow of the salivary glands. It is also common that the production of saliva vary if progressively destroying illnesses such as dementia teeth. Also, some drugs produce adverse effects on the glands and it is essential to pay attention to side effects of medical treatments.
The first is to ask a medical diagnosis. Usually this is accomplished through an ultrasound (a procedure that uses sound waves that pass to the glands to see the size and condition of the same), nuclear magnetic resonance, CT scan or a biopsy.
Treatment
Xerostomia can be treated with stimulants in saliva or artificial saliva substitutes ‘irritate’ the glands to react to stimuli.
For excess saliva is essential to determine the cause for this disorder can be caused by psychological problems, excessive use of snuff in even the hormonal changes of pregnancy.
Tags: Dental Care, Dental Caries, dental diseases, Dental Treatment, oral health, Oral hygiene, saliva