Saliva is an amazing body fluid that frequently goes unseen yet is extremely important to our health and well-being. It is created by the body every day, 24 hours a day. Saliva is more than mouth lubrication because it contains a complex blend comprising water, proteins, enzymes, and electrolytes.

Saliva is important for several important functions :

• Cleanses the mouth
• Lubrication of the oral tissues
• Aids in chewing food
• Digestion of the food
• It helps in bolus formation
• Aids in easy swallowing
• Helps in speech
• Helps in taste perception

• The pH of saliva typically ranges from 6.2 to 7.6, with 6.7 being the average.
• With age, the saliva of an individual becomes more acidic.
• Saliva’s pH level is altered by food and beverages. For instance, when people eat carbohydrates, bacteria in their mouth convert them into lactic, butyric, and aspartic acids, and the saliva’s pH decreases.