You’re an avid sports fan, who loves the New York Giants. You grew up watching L.T., Simms and Anderson terrorize teams, adding to the lure and legend of the Giants brand. One thing that resonates in your mind is the toughness that they always represented. No minor bruises or cuts would slow them down. But, some recent studies have revealed that there has always been an amazing healing property residing not just in those Giant greats, but you as well. And this overlooked gem could eventually aide in healing those cuts that the tough guys usually just ignore. Your dentist wants you to know about the wonders of the simple, internal tool you have, called “saliva.”
The Wonders of Saliva
An unknown fact to many is that saliva has amazing recovery properties. And a recent study has found an explanation for why wounds heal faster in your mouth than in other parts of your body.
The study examined the effects of salivary peptide histatin-1 (a type of molecule found in saliva) and its effects on angiogenesis (blood vessel formation). This is important information because, in showing that saliva encourages blood vessel formation (which is essential to healing), we are able to see how it then indirectly influences healing.
Researchers are now looking into how to expand on the faculties of saliva in the mouth to help heal other parts of the body.
The Other Benefits of Saliva
Beyond healing, saliva also has many other benefits:
- Bathes the Mouth – It bathes the mouth, which helps to vacate harmful bacteria that tend to linger after eating. Un resolved, they can cause gum disease.
- Fights Bad Breath – By moistening the tongue, saliva makes it harder for food particles and bacteria to get lodged in the papillae (the little raised bumps on your tongue).
- Aides in Digestion – Your saliva contains enzymes that help the digestion of your food.
- Helps to Neutralize Bacteria – Not only does saliva bathe the mouth and tongue, and wash away particles, it has the potential to neutralize bacteria. When you eat a healthy diet, it lowers the pH level of your saliva, which renders it more effective in countering the acidic nature of harmful bacteria.
As GI Joe cartoons would always conclude, “Knowing is half the battle.” So, now that you’ve learned how valuable your saliva is, take the steps to protect it by brushing and flossing at least twice a day to evict troublesome bacteria and food particles. This will help you maintain the desired pH level for healthy saliva.
Also, be sure to visit your dentist at least every six months for cleanings and examinations. These practices will ensure that your saliva remains your friend and not your enemy, so that you’ll have a healthy mouth, teeth and gums for years to come.
About the Author
For more than 30 years, Dr. Joseph Sandberg has practiced dentistry in South Jersey communities. Graduating second in his class at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Sandberg went on complete his General Practice Residency at the Department of Oral Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He practices at South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine and can be reached for more information through his website.