Functions & Formation Of Saliva Assignment
Saliva, exclusively and predominantly excreted in the mouth is hydrous in nature and excreted by diverse salivary organs found in humans and animals. In humans, water being the sole constituent of saliva measures at (99.5%), with other substances at the remaining 0.5% (Fejerskov and Kidd, 2007). These substances include but are not limited to amylase, electrolytes, epithelial cells, lipase, lysozyme, mucus, secretory IgA, white blood cells, etc. (Fejerskov and Kidd, 2007). Functions & Formation Of Saliva Assignment
Enzymes formed in saliva has been implicated in many vital functions in the body, such as breakdown of fat and starch present in diets, breakdown of food residue trapped in the dental nook, prevention of teeth decay caused by bacteria, and maintaining oral hygiene (Fejerskov and Kidd, 2007). Deficiency in saliva secretion will lead to a notable spread (occurrence and recurrence) of oral diseases including dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis (Fejerskov and Kidd, 2007).
In addition, saliva stands as a lubricant, adding moisture to food and allowing for deglutition, prevents dehydration of the mucosal wall of the oral cavity, prevents mechanical trauma during eating, swallowing and talking/speaking (Edgar et al., 2004). In the absence or reduced production of saliva otherwise called xerostomia, mouth soreness is implicated and food glues to the walls of the mouth (Fejerskov and Kidd, 2007).
Saliva formation in hale and hearty individuals in a day is estimated between 0.75 to 1.5litres. This is during the active period, while this amount reduces drastically at night (while sleeping) to almost nothing (Edgar et al., 2004). The sub-mandibular gland is accountable for 70 – 75% of saliva formed, the parotid gland releases about 20 – 25%, the remaining glands (sublingual gland inclusive) produces minute amount and adds up to the total measure of saliva formed (Edgar et al., 2004). Functions & Formation Of Saliva Assignment
Saliva has been shown to maintain the mouth’s pH. Saliva’s concentration is spiked in the presence of diverse ions. Some saliva proteins hinders precipitation, hence, forming salts. The presenting ions serves as buffer that helps to retain the acidic level of the mouth at a specific range, usually pH 6.2 – 7.4, thus keeps from degrading, the minerals found in the dental hard tissues. (Edgar et al., 2004).The two nervous systems (sympathetic and parasympathetic) stimulates saliva formation.
A thicker saliva is formed following sympathetic stimulation while water-like saliva is formed following parasympathetic stimulation. While respiration is facilitated by saliva formed from sympathetic stimulation, digestion on the other hand is facilitated by parasympathetic stimulation. Sialagogue (a drug that promotes the formation of saliva) is used in pharmacology to stimulate the formation of saliva and in reverse antisialagogues can suppress saliva production. (Edgar et al., 2004). Functions & Formation Of Saliva Assignment