Saliva Flow and Composition

Saliva is a protective fluid in the mouth. The amount, flow, and composition of saliva is influenced by the aroma, taste, and chewing of foods. Saliva flow clears food debris from the mouth and helps neutralize the action of plaque acids. As it buffers the plaque acids, the calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride molecules in saliva promote the remineralization of eroded areas on teeth. However, if the acid challenge is too frequent or continues for too long, saliva may not be able to protect enamel from demineralization.

Risk for dental caries increases as saliva production decreases, as seen during sleep, as a symptom of disease, or as a side effect of fasting or medication. Nutritional insults early in development and chronic effects of malnutrition can impair the salivary gland’s secretory function.17 Salivary function also may be damaged by radiotherapy for oral cancer.