Saliva performs a wide array of physiologic and protective functions, some related to its fluid properties and others to its specific content of a variety of molecules.
Being a liquid, saliva primarily lubricates the oral mucosa lining the side of the mouth and moistens food bites. It reducing the frictional damage caused by the rough surfaces of food.
It cleans the oral cavity by flushing away food debris and bacteria, helps with mastication and swallowing of the food bolus, facilitates speech.
Saliva can dissolve flavorful substances stimulating the different taste buds located on the tongue.
In addition, saliva functions in controlling bacterial flora in the mouth and protecting the oral cavity against pathogens.
Saliva also plays an important role in water intake; the sensation of dryness of the mouth as a result of low salivary secretion urges a person to drinks.
The inorganic constituents of saliva such as bicarbonate and phosphate allow buffering while phosphate and calcium function to maintain the mineral integrity of teeth.
A digestive enzyme, salivary amylase is mainly produced by the serous acini initiates the breakdown of starch into smaller carbohydrates during the short times that food is present in the oral cavity.
Function of the saliva
