Saliva and Dental Caries Quiz

Saliva and Dental Caries

• 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.

Dental Caries: Historical Perspective

• 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.

Radiation Caries

• This type of caries is caused by radiation therapy.

Major Salivary Gland Locations

• Parotid glands are located in the cheeks.
• Submandibular glands are located below the jaw.
• Sublingual glands are located under the tongue.

Salivary Glands

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

Salivary Glands - Regulation

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

Taste Stimuli

• The four main taste stimuli are:
  • Sour
  • Salt
  • Bitter
  • Sweet

Saliva: Composition

• 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).

Viscosity of Saliva

• 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.

Salivary Flow Rate

• Unstimulated (resting) salivary flow is 0.3-0.5 ml/minute.
• Stimulated by mechanical means (e.g., chewing) flow is 1-2 ml/minute.
• Stimulated by sour taste flow is 5-10 ml/minute.
• Xerostomia (dry mouth) is characterized by a reduced resting salivary flow.

Dental Caries and Salivary Glands

• 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