Have you ever wondered why your mouth needs to be so moist, if saliva even has much of a true purpose, or if it’s something that just happens to be there? To help demystify this particular area of uncertainty, we are pleased to offer you a (possibly surprisingly) diverse list of the ways that this oral health related fluid comes into play in your daily life and in the long run. You just might take on a new appreciation for it!
It Helps You Taste Foods
If you were to put food on a completely dry tongue, you wouldn’t be able to taste it! That’s because it’s the initial process of breaking down certain components of the food with your saliva that releases the flavor and lets your tongue do the tasting! So, that fluid is essential for enjoying your food.
It Helps Break Down Foods (And Aids Digestion)
Before that chunk of food you bit off can head toward your stomach, it needs to become moist enough to swallow. This can happen with the help of saliva, which also begins breaking the food down as the initial step of digestion.
It Helps Rinse Bacteria And Food Away
Your saliva flushes through your mouth consistently throughout the day every day, in part because it’s swishing about and physically removing plaque, bacteria, and even leftover bits of food from your smile. The result: Your grin remains clean and healthy. Therefore, it helps you avoid hygiene-related concerns, such as cavities and even gum disease.
Find Out More About Saliva And Your Oral Health
Learn more about what you can expect from saliva and how it plays a role in your smile health. Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.
