Your saliva is a mirror of your body
Do You Know? For patients.
Saliva does far more than keep your mouth wet.
What saliva does
Washes away food and neutralises acid after eating and drinking.
Supplies calcium and phosphate that help repair early enamel damage.
Contains antibodies and enzymes that control bacteria.
Helps you taste, chew, swallow and speak.
A window on health
Saliva carries many of the same markers found in blood. Researchers are developing saliva tests for conditions such as cancers and infections. Most of these tests are still in development, but they show how closely the mouth reflects the body.
When saliva runs low
Many common medicines, dehydration and some medical conditions reduce saliva. A dry mouth raises the risk of decay and gum problems, so mention it at your next visit.
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This article is general information and not a substitute for an examination.
Reference
Nonaka T, Wong DTW. Saliva diagnostics. Annu Rev Anal Chem. 2022;15(1):107-121. doi:10.1146/annurev-anchem-061020-123959
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