Hi. I’m Dr. Shane Sykes. Welcome to my Reno dental blog.
Today we’ll be looking at the complexity and importance of your saliva. Though most people may think it’s gross, saliva is critical for dental health as well as digestion.
Saliva is mostly water, but a small portion of it is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The ideal pH balance of the mouth is maintained by saliva, and pH balance is a vital factor in the development of cavities and other forms of tooth decay.
The minerals in saliva help to maintain the enamel surface of the teeth. Immunoproteins in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis.
Now that Sparks residents know how vital saliva is to dental health, I’m sure you can see why ample salivary flow should concern you. For most of my Reno patients, everyday chewing is enough to stimulate salivary glands to release saliva. However, dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is an ailment that should be dealt with quickly before oral health complications occur.
If you are in the Spanish Springs, Virginia City, or Carson City area and are looking for quality dental care, please contact my office today at 775-323-0700. We have been providing general and cosmetic dentistry in Reno since 2011.
Our knowledgeable staff would be happy to communicate with you about root canals, wisdom teeth extraction, dentures, porcelain veneers, and the other services we provide to our valued patients.
Contact The Reno Dentist:
775-323-0700
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503
