Saliva Function and Production
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Saliva Function and Production

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Questions and Answers

What is the total saliva flow rate in milliliters for 24 hours?

  • 400 ml
  • 800 ml
  • 600 ml (correct)
  • 700 ml
  • What is the percentage of contribution to whole mouth saliva by the parotid glands when stimulated?

  • 60%
  • 46% (correct)
  • 40%
  • 52%
  • What is the unstimulated whole mouth salivary flow rate in milliliters per minute?

  • 0.30 ml/min
  • 0.25 ml/min
  • 0.35 ml/min (correct)
  • 0.40 ml/min
  • During which time period does the unstimulated whole mouth salivary flow rate increase by 70%?

    <p>9am - 5pm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the contribution of the submandibular and sublingual glands to whole mouth saliva when stimulated?

    <p>45%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible consequence of having a decreased saliva flow rate?

    <p>Bad taste</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of salivary proteins in the acquired enamel pellicle?

    <p>To inhibit microbial growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following salivary glands makes the greatest contribution to resting flow rate?

    <p>Submandibular and sublingual glands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of salivary bicarbonate?

    <p>To buffer acid pH and prevent demineralization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of histatins and defensins in saliva?

    <p>To inhibit microbial growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of calcium and phosphate in saliva?

    <p>To enable tooth remineralization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of mucins in saliva?

    <p>To determine the microbial flora</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main component of salivary fluid produced by the acinus?

    <p>Water and electrolyte</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of salivary proteins in the enamel pellicle?

    <p>To provide binding sites for commensal bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of salivary bicarbonate concentration in maintaining teeth?

    <p>To prevent acid build up and tooth apatite solubility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the pH of saliva when it decreases to approximately pH 5.5 due to dietary or plaque acid?

    <p>Demineralization occurs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of saliva in regulating oral microbiota?

    <p>To maintain normal numbers and composition of oral microorganisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of very low salivary flow on oral health?

    <p>Increases the risk of dental caries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the acquired enamel pellicle in tooth mineralization?

    <p>It prevents surface mineralization but enhances sub-surface remineralization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of salivary agglutinin in oral health?

    <p>It aggregates microorganisms and facilitates clearance from the mouth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of whole mouth saliva?

    <p>GCF, shed epithelial cells, and transudate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of carbonic anhydrase in saliva?

    <p>It converts CO2 to H2CO3</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Composition of Saliva

    • Whole mouth saliva consists of biofilm, enamel/dentine, GCF (Gingival Crevicular Fluid), shed epithelial cells, and transudate
    • Acinus produces salivary fluid containing water, electrolytes, blood proteins, and salivary proteins
    • Ducts produce Na+, Cl-, and glandular salivas

    Cells, Microorganisms, and Microparticles in Saliva

    • Cells in saliva include epithelial cells and neutrophils
    • Microorganisms in saliva include bacteria (10^8/ml), viruses, candida, and protozoa
    • Microparticles in saliva include exosomes (increased flow and oral clearance)

    Functions of Saliva

    • Buffers pH and maintains enamel pellicle
    • Protects and maintains oral mucosa through wound healing, lubrication, and barrier formation
    • Regulates oral microbiota through clearance, killing, and agglutination of pathogens, and colonization, adhesion, and feeding of commensals
    • Aids in taste and processing of food/nutrients

    Flow Rate and Oral Clearance

    • Very low salivary flow rate increases the risk of dental caries
    • Buffering in saliva by bicarbonate involves the reaction: CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 → HCO3- + H+

    Acquired Enamel Pellicle

    • A thin layer (<1 μm) formed by calcium-binding salivary proteins (statherin, histatins, and acidic proline-rich proteins)
    • Prevents surface mineralization and enhances sub-surface remineralization
    • Lubrication reduces friction by 20-fold

    Saliva and Tooth Mineralization

    • Tooth apatite (Ca10(PO4)6OH2) is dependent on supersaturation of saliva with calcium and phosphate
    • Concentration of Ca2+ in resting saliva is approximately 2mM
    • Supersaturation of saliva with calcium and phosphate is due to salivary protein statherin

    Saliva and Oral Mucosa

    • Saliva forms a hydrated, barrier film on the oral mucosa
    • Lubrication, barrier function, and interaction with the mucosal surface are essential
    • Saliva regulates oral microorganisms by clearing microorganisms, modifying the adherence of microorganisms to teeth, and modulating microbial growth

    Anti-Microbial Factors in Saliva

    • Saliva contains anti-bacterial proteins (cystatins, histatins, defensins, cathelicidins, lysozyme, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, SLPI, chromogranin A, PLUNCs, immunoglobulins, mucins)
    • Saliva also contains anti-fungal and anti-viral proteins

    Summary

    • Saliva enables oral tissues to cope with a range of problems associated with oral functions
    • Resting (unstimulated) flow of saliva is crucial for oral health
    • Submandibular and sublingual glands contribute the most to resting flow rate, while parotid glands contribute more to stimulated flow rate
    • Saliva forms films and pellicles on hard and soft tissues in the mouth

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    Description

    This quiz covers the basics of saliva, including its production rates, circadian rhythm, and contribution of different salivary glands to saliva in the mouth.

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