Saliva is essential for the digestion and
breakdown of food in the mouth and gut as well as keeping our mouths healthy.
It contains a complex mixture of enzymes, buffers, antibodies, minerals and
nutrients that fight disease and keep our mouths and bodies healthy. Enzymes in
the mouth begin the process of digesting the foods we eat. Carbohydrates, the
primary nutritional component of grains, fruits, and vegetables, are broken
down into simple sugars by the enzymes found in saliva. Bacteria ingest the simple sugars and
carbohydrates and convert them into acids. When our saliva is actively
operating it buffers the acid and neutralises the pH. A neutral pH is key to
keep acid levels maintained throughout the body.
Saliva contains antibodies and antimicrobial
properties that decrease the amount of oral bacteria and facilitate the body’s defences to reduce the risk of disease in the mouth. Unfortunately, these
compounds aren’t strong enough the kill all the harmful germs found in the oral
cavity.
Calcium and Phosphorus are two minerals
naturally occurring in our saliva. They aid in the remineralization of damaged
enamel. Saliva is the best natural remedy for hardening damaged tooth enamel
and creating a stronger defence mechanism.
Our body produces high
levels of saliva throughout the day, with an increase during food consumption.
Generally, there is a decrease in production during the course of the night.
This is especially true for those who aren’t drinking enough water throughout
the day or who may be taking medications that cause a lack of saliva
production. Without this natural buffer, those individuals suffering from dry
mouth are at higher risk of dental diseases.
An increase in gum
disease and dental decay continues to plague Canadians, even after decades of
new products, services and techniques, we are still grasping at straws, trying
to control oral diseases that affect a large portion of our nation. The future
of oral health is prevention and saliva is the key that unlocks the mystery.
Could saliva be the golden ticket to all that
ails us in oral health?.............
Saliva Facts
- We produce approximately 1 liter (34 ounces) of saliva a day.
- One teaspoon (5ml) of saliva contains about 2.5 billion bacterial cells.
- Your mouth does not secrete saliva when your sleep. This is why sleeping with your mouth open will result in a dry mouth.
- A neutral pH is 7.0
- Stomach acid has a pH level of 1.6 which helps kill harmful bacteria.
- Blood has a pH between 7.45 and 7.35.
- Saliva should be between 7.0-8.0
Reference: Oil Pulling Therapy (Detoxifying and
healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing; Dr. Bruce Fife; Copyright 2008; pages
19-23
