Functions of Salivary Gland

• Salivary glands secrete saliva which has many benefits for the oral cavity and health in general.
• Saliva consists of proteins (mucins) that lubricate and protect both the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.
• Mucins are the principal organic constituents of mucus, the slimy visco-elastic material that coats all mucosal surfaces.
• The higher the saliva flow rate, the faster the clearance and the higher the buffer capacity, hence better protection from dental caries.
• People with a slower rate of saliva secretion, combined with a low buffer capacity, have lessened salivary protection against microbes.
• Saliva forms a pellicle on the surface of the tooth to prevent wearing.
• The film contains mucins and proline-rich glycoprotein from the saliva.
• The proteins (statherin and proline-rich proteins) within the salivary pellicle inhibit demineralization and promote remineralization by attracting calcium ions.
• Demineralization occurs when enamel disintegrates due to the presence of acid.
• When this occurs, the buffering capacity effect of saliva (increases saliva flow rate) inhibits demineralisation.
• Saliva can then begin to promote the remineralisation of the tooth by strengthening the enamel with calcium and phosphate minerals.
• Saliva can prevent microbial growth based on the elements it contains.
• Lactoferrin in saliva binds naturally with iron, which is a major component of bacterial cell walls, removal of iron breaks down the cell wall, which in turn breaks down the bacterium.
• Antimicrobial peptides such as histatins inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans.
• Salivary Immunoglobulin A serves to aggregate oral bacteria such as S mutans and prevent the formation of dental plaque.
• Saliva can encourage soft tissue repair by decreasing clotting time and increasing wound contraction.
• Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which hydrolyses starch into maltose and dextrin, allowing digestion to occur before the food reaches the stomach.
• Saliva acts as a solvent in which solid particles can dissolve in and enter the taste buds through oral mucosa located on the tongue.
• These taste buds are found within foliate and circumvallate papillae, where minor salivary glands secrete saliva.