Saliva and Oral Health Quiz
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Saliva and Oral Health Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What role does saliva play in the maturation of newly erupted teeth?

  • Saliva has no effect on teeth maturation.
  • Saliva assists in the degeneration of enamel.
  • Saliva aids in the maturation and repair of enamel. (correct)
  • Saliva causes plaque build-up on teeth.

    • How does the viscosity of saliva contribute to oral health?

  • It encourages the formation of dental calculus.
  • Viscosity has no impact on oral health.
  • Higher viscosity increases the risk of oral infections.
  • Higher viscosity aids in protecting against acids. (correct)

    • What is one major effect of impaired saliva flow in patients?

  • Accelerated plaque deposition and caries. (correct)
  • Reduced plaque formation.
  • Increased saliva viscosity.
  • Improved periodontal health.

    • What is the function of the salivary pellicle in oral health?

    <p>It protects against acid and encourages plaque adherence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key mineral found in saliva that aids in enamel remineralization?

    <p>Calcium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor affects the quantity of saliva production?

    <p>Time of day and stimulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element in saliva helps control the pH and prevents demineralization?

    <p>Calcium phosphate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During acid attacks, what role does saliva play in maintaining oral health?

    <p>It inhibits demineralization and promotes remineralization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nerve carries taste information from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue to the brain?

    <p>Facial nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is characterized by reduced saliva production, often leading to dry mouth?

    <p>Xerostomia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT associated with an increase in saliva flow?

    <p>Radiotherapy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nerve is responsible for carrying taste information from the posterior third of the tongue?

    <p>Glossopharyngeal nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions may lead to hypersalivation?

    <p>Cerebral palsy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consistency of saliva produced by the submandibular gland?

    <p>Mucous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components is NOT typically found in 'pure' saliva produced in the glands?

    <p>Food debris</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Approximately how much saliva is produced by a person in a day?

    <p>1-1.5 liters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor can NOT impact salivary flow?

    <p>Body temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of total saliva volume is contributed by the parotid gland?

    <p>25%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the role of saliva?

    <p>Inhibits bacterial growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which minor salivary gland produces the least amount of saliva?

    <p>Sublingual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for saliva that includes various elements from the oral cavity, such as food debris?

    <p>Whole saliva</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key function of saliva?

    <p>Taste sensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does crevicular fluid play in saliva production?

    <p>It indicates periodontal disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical pH range of saliva?

    <p>6.7 - 7.4</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which protein in saliva destroys harmful bacteria by lysing their cell walls?

    <p>Lysozyme</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do immunoglobulins play in saliva?

    <p>They assist in agglutination of bacteria.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of lactoferrin in saliva?

    <p>To inhibit bacterial metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of protein contributes to the viscosity of saliva?

    <p>Mucin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What by-product of cell metabolism can neutralize acids in saliva?

    <p>Urea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of commensal bacterial cells found in saliva?

    <p>They exist in a symbiotic equilibrium with the host.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mineral component is primarily found in saliva?

    <p>Calcium phosphate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which enzyme in saliva begins the breakdown of cooked starches?

    <p>Amylase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of protein contains less than 4% carbohydrate derivatives?

    <p>Glyco-proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of ions in saliva?

    <p>To buffer and maintain pH levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ion is specifically associated with remineralization and tooth decay resistance?

    <p>Fluoride</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do glycoproteins in saliva contribute to oral health?

    <p>They protect against abrasion and aid in speech</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do bicarbonate ions have in saliva during eating?

    <p>They neutralize acids and alkalis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one function of serous saliva?

    <p>To cleanse the oral cavity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which gas component is typically released in higher levels in salivary glands?

    <p>Carbon Dioxide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact does xerostomia have on taste perception?

    <p>Reduces taste sensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of chloride ions in saliva?

    <p>Not specifically mentioned but serves general ion functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What protective function does the salivary pellicle perform?

    <p>It forms a barrier against acid attacks on enamel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance in saliva helps destroy or prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria?

    <p>Proteins and immunoglobulins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Saliva's Role in Oral Health

    • Saliva safeguards the oral cavity during caries formation through multiple mechanisms.
    • It forms a protective layer, the salivary pellicle, composed of glycoproteins. This pellicle shields against acids but also encourages the adherence of harmful plaque bacteria.
    • Saliva is supersaturated with inorganic ions, which act as buffers to regulate pH levels. This continuous buffering action counteracts the effects of demineralization and remineralization.
    • Serous saliva aids in cleansing the oral cavity, reducing the availability of fermentable carbohydrates for bacteria to convert into acids.

    Salivary Flow and Caries

    • Salivary flow varies significantly throughout the day and night. During the day, our bodies produce between 1-1.5 liters of saliva, while at night, the production drops significantly to approximately 10 ml.
    • This fluctuation can impact caries formation. Individuals who experience a decrease in salivary flow during sleep may be more susceptible to caries.
    • Those who work shift work – with their sleep and eating habits altered – may experience a reduction in salivary flow, making them more prone to caries.

    Components of Saliva

    • Organic Components:

      • Proteins:
        • Mucin: Gives saliva its viscosity and stickiness.
        • Enzymes:
          • Lysozyme: Destroys harmful bacteria by lysing their cell walls.
          • Lactoferrin: Prevents bacterial metabolism by binding to free iron.
          • Lactoperoxidase: Inhibits bacterial metabolism.
          • Amylase: Begins the breakdown of cooked starches.
          • Ribonuclease: An enzyme involved in RNA breakdown.
          • Phosphatase: Plays a role in calculus formation and remineralization of caries.
      • Immunoglobulins (Ig's):
        • Contribute to bacterial disposal through agglutination.
        • IgA, IgG and IgM contribute to bacterial agglutination.
      • Waste Products:
        • Urea, Uric Acid, Ammonia: All are byproducts of cell metabolism and can influence pH levels.
      • Cells:
        • Desquamated epithelial cells: Continuously shed as worn/dead cells are replaced.
        • White blood cells: Found in the gingival crevice, especially during inflammation.
        • Commensal bacterial cells: Exists in a symbiotic equilibrium with the host, preventing other harmful bacteria from taking hold.
      • Hormones:
        • Estrogen and Progesterone are present in saliva.

    • Inorganic Components:

      • Ions:
        • Calcium phosphate ions: Major contributors to caries incidence and calculus formation.
        • Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Chloride, Fluoride, Bicarbonate, Sulphate, Hydrogen: These ions play a vital role in buffering saliva and maintaining pH balance.
      • Gas Components:
        • Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide: Carbon Dioxide levels are higher in the salivary glands and its release may be linked to calculus formation.

    Functions of Saliva

    • Protective:
      • Glycoproteins lubricate and waterproof the oral cavity tissues.
      • Aids in speech.
      • Maintains a healthy mucosa.
      • Forms the salivary pellicle which protects the enamel surface.
      • Serous saliva cleanses the oral cavity.
    • Buffering:
      • Ions help maintain pH, making the environment unsuitable for bacterial growth.
      • Neutralizes acids and alkalis.
    • Digestive:
      • Salivary amylase begins the digestion of cooked starches.
      • Formation of the bolus.
    • Taste:
      • Facilitates taste sensation by dissolving food particles.
    • Antimicrobial:
      • Proteins and immunoglobulins contribute to the prevention and destruction of harmful bacteria.
    • Tooth Integrity:
      • Saliva plays a role in remineralization, aided by the presence of fluoride.

    Factors Influencing Salivary Flow

    • Increased Flow:

      • Chewing food (mastication).
      • Irritants.
      • Gingival conditions.
      • Hunger.
      • Smell/sight of food.
      • Teething in babies.

    • Reduced Flow:

      • Drugs.
      • Diabetes.
      • Alcohol.
      • Fear.
      • Radiotherapy.
      • Surgery.

    Medical Conditions Affecting Salivary Flow

    • Hypersalivation: Excessive production of saliva.
      • Neurological conditions: Parkinson's, Motor Neurone Disease, Cerebral Palsy.
    • Xerostomia: Dry mouth due to reduced or absent saliva production.
      • Saliva gland disorders: Sjogren's Syndrome.
      • Systemic conditions: Diabetes, HIV/AIDS.
      • Treatments: Radiation/Chemotherapy.

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    Related Documents

    Saliva in Dentistry PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the essential role of saliva in maintaining oral health. This quiz covers how saliva protects against caries, its composition, and the impact of salivary flow on dental health. Get ready to explore the fascinating functions of saliva in the oral cavity!

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