Saliva in children’s oral health
Saliva is an essential component of oral health, yet its importance is often overlooked. This natural fluid plays multiple roles that are critical to maintaining a healthy mouth, especially in children.
At Arcdental, we understand that comprehensive oral health education includes understanding how saliva helps protect children’s teeth and gums and what the consequences of saliva deficiency can be.
Protective functions of saliva
Saliva is not just water; it is a complex fluid made up of water, enzymes, electrolytes and antimicrobial compounds that help maintain the health of the oral cavity in a number of ways:
- Natural cleansing and rinsing
Saliva helps to constantly cleanse the mouth. It acts as a rinse that removes food particles and debris that can contribute to plaque formation. In children, who are often less meticulous in their brushing habits, this cleaning function is especially vital.
- Acid neutralisation
One of the most important roles of saliva is its ability to neutralise acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque. These acids can erode tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. Saliva contains bicarbonate, phosphate and calcium, which help neutralise these acids and remineralise tooth enamel.
- Antimicrobial defence
Saliva contains enzymes such as lysozyme and antibodies that destroy bacteria and viruses, reducing the microbial load in the mouth and protecting against oral infections, as saliva maintains proper lubrication of the oral cavity.
- Facilitating digestion
The role of saliva in digestion is crucial and it maintains the hydration of the mucous membranes. In the mouth it starts the digestive process by breaking down starches while we are chewing, which is important for children who are developing their digestive systems.
Problems associated with saliva deficiency
Insufficient saliva production, or hyposalivation, can have significant impacts on oral health, especially in children:
- Increased risk of tooth decay
Without enough saliva to neutralise acids and remove food particles, there is an increased risk of tooth decay. Children, in particular, are susceptible because they tend to consume more sugars and may not be as rigorous in their oral hygiene.
- Gum disease
Lack of saliva can also increase the risk of gingivitis and other forms of periodontal disease. Saliva helps clean the gums and reduces plaque build-up that can irritate gum tissues.
- Eating and speech difficulties
Saliva facilitates chewing and swallowing, and lubricates the mouth for speech. Children with insufficient saliva production may find it difficult to eat and speak, which can affect their quality of life and social development.
What causes saliva deficiency?
Saliva deficiency in children can be caused by several factors, with mouth breathing being the main cause of dehydration, poor chewing strength, certain medical conditions, medications, and cancer treatments also contributing to saliva deficiency. It is important that parents watch for signs of dry mouth in their children and seek medical advice if a persistent problem is detected.
Conclusion
At Arcdental, we recommend parents to be aware of the importance of saliva for their children’s oral health. Promoting adequate hydration and maintaining a regular routine of dental visits can help ensure that saliva continues to play its vital role in protecting children’s oral health. If you suspect your child may be experiencing a saliva deficiency, don’t hesitate to contact us for a personalised assessment and advice.
Make an appointment at Udemax Clinics, at Arcdental, your children’s clinic located in Zona Colegios, or at Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. Or call us on .
Clinicas Udemax
At Clinicas Udemax we offer the youngest patients in the family a personalised service provided by a team of specialists in children’s and teenagers’ dental cases. Our objective is to offer the least invasive and most effective treatments at these ages to guarantee the development of a healthy mouth, establishing the foundations of an adequate oral health that will allow the adult to maintain an aesthetic and functional smile for years to come.
It is important in our clinic to offer the greatest peace of mind and safety with our treatments. For this reason, we have a team specialised in paediatric dentistry techniques and preventive and corrective orthodontics that continues to be trained to apply the latest technology and guarantee excellent and long-lasting results.
