Imagine a natural, powerful solution in your mouth that fights cavities, aids digestion, and keeps your smile healthy – this incredible substance is saliva, and its importance cannot be overstated. Often overlooked, saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Saliva aides in digestion, lubricates the oral cavity, protects teeth and gingival tissue from decay and disease, and plays a pivotal role in maintaining a balanced oral microbiome.
There are many powerful enzymes and proteins in saliva that work synergistically to protect the teeth and oral tissues. Some of the most pivotal are lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin, glucose oxidase and colostrum whey.
Lysozyme and lactoperoxidase are essential in controlling bacterial growth. Lactoferrin binds to iron which makes it unavailable for bacterial growth. Colostrum whey helps to establish nutrient support and glucose oxidase is essential to convert sugar into hydrogen peroxide which has antimicrobial effects. In addition, glucose oxidase is often considered the “Ferrari” of enzymes and is an essential component in saliva. When these proteins and enzymes are lacking, such as in dry mouth, we risk an imbalanced oral microbiome.
What happens when our mouths lack these important components?
Without these enzymes, our mouths can become dysbiotic. “Dysbiotic” refers to an imbalance in the natural microbial community within the oral cavity. In this state, harmful microorganisms may outnumber beneficial ones, which can lead to more risk of oral disease like periodontitis or tooth decay.
What happens with dry mouth?
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. This lack of saliva can lead to an increased risk of oral disease and decay. Consequently, without saliva, we lack the essential proteins and enzymes that fight against harmful bacteria and our oral microbiome can become unbalanced. This dysbiosis leads to an elevated risk for more serious conditions such as periodontitis, decay and tooth loss.
How do we restore these important components?
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining overall oral health to help prevent decay and disease; especially with dry mouth.
- Hydration: Encourage adequate fluid intake to help stimulate saliva production.
- Dietary Changes: Incorporate foods that are easy to chew and swallow and avoid sugary and acidic foods that can increase tooth decay.
- Medication Review: Work with your healthcare provider to adjust or change medications that may be contributing to dry mouth.
- Saliva Substitutes: Use artificial saliva products such as Periovance Dry Mouth Oral Moisturizing Gel to mimic natural saliva and restore these essential components. It’s a clinically proven, FDA approved solution that will help to restore the oral microbiome.
Saliva is more than just a fluid in our mouths; it is a vital defender of oral health. Recognizing the significance of saliva highlights the need to maintain its production and quality through proper hydration, oral hygiene, and medical interventions when necessary. Embracing its multifaceted benefits is key to preserving your overall health, a healthy microbiome and overall quality of life.
Struggling with dry mouth? We've teamed up with OraBio to offer our community an exclusive 20% discount off their new Dry Mouth Oral Moisturizing Gel. Use code "bristle20" at checkout to get yours today! (Valid through 11/30)
Authored by: Gina Hanzel, RDH / Clinical Advisor – OraBio, Inc.
