Saliva and Dental Caries Quiz

Study Notes

Excessive dry mouth was found to be a contributing factor to dental caries in 1903 by W.D. Miller.
Radiation can cause caries (Kidd & Joyston-Bechal).
Major salivary glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual.
- Parotid produces watery saliva.
- Submandibular and sublingual produce viscous saliva.
- Minor salivary glands also produce viscous saliva.
Salivary glands are regulated by the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
- Parasympathetic stimulation leads to the production of watery saliva.
- Sympathetic stimulation leads to the production of more viscous saliva due to increased protein content.
Taste stimuli include sour, salt, bitter, and sweet.
Saliva composition: 99% water, 1% solids (electrolytes and proteins).
- Major salivary glands contribute 90% of saliva.
- Minor salivary glands contribute 10% of saliva.
- Average daily production: 0.5-1 liter.
- pH of saliva: 6.0-7.5.
- Fluoride concentration: 0.01-0.03 ppm.
Viscosity of saliva:
- Minor glands produce saliva that is 9 times more viscous than parotid saliva.
- Submandibular saliva is 2-3 times more viscous than parotid saliva.
- Sublingual saliva is 2-3 times more viscous than parotid saliva.
Salivary flow rate:
- Unstimulated (resting): 0.3-0.5 ml/minute.
- Stimulated (mechanical): 1-2 ml/minute.
- Stimulated (sour): 5-10 ml/minute.
Xerostomia is characterized by a low resting salivary flow rate.

In 1903, Dr. W.D. Miller noted that excessive dry mouth was linked to tooth decay, which occurred primarily at the necks of teeth and around fillings.

Major salivary glands produce saliva:
- Parotid: Produces watery saliva.
- Submandibular: Produces viscous saliva.
- Sublingual: Produces viscous saliva.
Minor salivary glands produce viscous saliva.

Parasympathetic nervous system stimulates watery saliva production.
Sympathetic nervous system stimulates more viscous saliva production, which is richer in proteins.

Saliva is primarily water:
- Water: 99%
- Solids: 1% (electrolytes, proteins)
90% of saliva is produced by major salivary glands, and 10% by minor salivary glands.
Daily saliva production is 0.5-1 liter.
Saliva has a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Fluoride levels in saliva are typically 0.01-0.03 parts per million (ppm).

Saliva produced by minor salivary glands is at least 9 times more viscous than saliva produced by parotid glands.
Submandibular saliva is 2-3 times more viscous than parotid saliva.
Sublingual saliva is 2-3 times more viscous than parotid saliva.

1903: Early observation of excessive dry mouth linked to tooth decay
Radiation Caries: Potential side effect of radiation therapy
Major Salivary Glands:
- Parotid: Produces watery saliva
- Submandibular: Produces viscous saliva
- Sublingual: Produces viscous saliva
Minor Salivary Glands: Produce viscous saliva
Salivary Gland Regulation:
- Parasympathetic: Stimulates watery saliva production
- Sympathetic: Stimulates more viscous saliva production (higher protein content)
Taste Stimuli:
- Sour
- Salt
- Bitter
- Sweet
Saliva Composition:
- Water: Makes up 99% of saliva
- Solids: Make up 1% of saliva (electrolytes and proteins)
- Major Glands: Contribute 90% of saliva
- Minor Glands: Contribute 10% of saliva
- Daily Production: 0.5 – 1 liter
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Fluoride: 0.01-0.03 ppm
Saliva Viscosity:
- Minor Salivary Glands: Produce saliva 9 times more viscous than parotid saliva
- Submandibular Glands: Produce saliva 2-3 times more viscous than parotid saliva
- Sublingual Glands: Produce saliva 2-3 times more viscous than parotid saliva
Salivary Flow Rate:
- Unstimulated (Resting): 0.3-0.5 ml/minute
- Stimulated (Mechanical): 1-2 ml/minute
- Stimulated (Sour): 5-10 ml/minute
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Characterized by low resting salivary flow rate