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A 1930s poster from the Work Projects Administration promoting oral hygiene. Tooth decay is the most common global disease. [14] Over 80% of cavities occur inside fissures in teeth where brushing cannot reach food left trapped after eating and saliva and fluoride have no access to neutralize acid and remineralize demineralized teeth, unlike easy-to-clean parts of the tooth, where fewer ...
Saliva on a baby's lips. Saliva (commonly referred to as spit or drool) is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth.In humans, saliva is around 99% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells (from which DNA can be extracted), enzymes (such as lipase and amylase), and antimicrobial agents (such as secretory IgA, and lysozymes).
Salivary immunoglobulin A serves to aggregate oral bacteria such as S. mutans and prevent the formation of dental plaque. [28] Tissue repair: Saliva can encourage soft-tissue repair by decreasing clotting time and increasing wound contraction. [29] Digestion: Saliva contains amylase, which hydrolyses starch into glucose, maltose, and dextrin.
The oral cavity has sometimes been described as a mirror that reflects the health of the individual. [2] Changes indicative of disease are seen as alterations in the oral mucosa lining the mouth, which can reveal systemic conditions, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiency, or the local effects of chronic tobacco or alcohol use. [3]
This increases your risk of cavities as bacteria can get closer to your teeth. Frequently drinking soda can also decrease saliva production, which normally helps to neutralize acids and protect ...
Fluoride is commonly found in toothpastes. Fluoride can be delivered to many parts of the oral cavity during brushing, including the tooth surface, saliva, soft tissues and remaining plaque biofilm. [4] Some remineralization methods may work for "white spot lesions" but not necessarily "intact tooth surfaces". [19]
Teeth, saliva, and oral tissues are the major components of the oral environment in which the oral microbiome resides. Like most environments, some oral environments, such as teeth and saliva, are abiotic (non-living), and some are living, such as the host immune system or host mouth mucosal tissues- including gums, cheek ("buccal") and tongue (when present).
As this varnish rests on the tooth's surface, saliva dissolves the fluoride salt, which in turn allows fluoride ions to be released and absorbed by the teeth and soft tissues. [36] Later, the fluoride is re-released into the oral cavity from these reservoirs which acts as protection for the teeth against cavities. [36]