Saliva

By: Alternix

Composition and Functions of Saliva

Saliva is 99.5% water and contains electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate.
Mucus, antibacterial compounds, and enzymes such as α-amylase and lingual lipase are present in saliva.
Saliva aids in digestion, maintains oral hygiene, prevents tooth decay, and acts as a lubricant for eating, swallowing, and speaking.

A healthy person produces around 1500ml of saliva per day.
The submandibular gland produces the highest amount of saliva (70-75%), followed by the parotid gland (20-25%).
Reduced salivary function increases the risk of dental caries, gum disease, and other oral problems.

Saliva coats the oral mucosa, protecting it from trauma during eating, swallowing, and speaking.
Reduced saliva (xerostomia) can cause mouth soreness and difficulties in swallowing and speaking.
Adequate saliva production is essential for oral comfort and function.

Saliva moistens food and helps create a food bolus.
Saliva contains enzymes like amylase and lipase that break down starch and fats.
About 30% of starch digestion occurs in the mouth cavity.
Salivary lipase is particularly important for newborn infants.

Saliva production is influenced by the nervous system, with sympathetic stimulation leading to thicker saliva and parasympathetic stimulation leading to more fluid-like saliva.
Saliva can be pharmacologically stimulated or suppressed.
Saliva has cultural and behavioral significance, such as spitting being considered rude in many cultures.
Saliva has been studied for its potential diagnostic applications and its role in oral health, as well as its association with the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Reference	URL
Glossary	https://www.alternix.com/blogs/glossary-of-terms/saliva
Wikipedia	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saliva
Wikidata	https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q155925
Knowledge Graph	https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/01d093