First saliva. Serous: the secret is very thin and watery. Causes of very thick saliva in the mouth

Dentistry Articles

Why is saliva needed?

Saliva(lat. saliva) - a transparent, colorless secret of the salivary glands, separated into the oral cavity. It is a relatively little-studied liquid human body plays a huge role both in maintaining health and in maintaining the possibility of communication between people.

Saliva is formed from the secretions of three pairs of glands:

• Parotid (these are the most large glands. Excretory duct each of them opens in the vestibule of the oral cavity and has valves and terminal siphons that regulate the excretion of saliva. Gland cells also remove various medicinal substances and toxins)
• submandibular,
• sublingual.

The mucous glands of the oral cavity also play a small role. In addition, there are small salivary glands: buccal, labial, lingual, hard and soft palate. They are located in the thickness of the oral mucosa in groups of 1-5 mm in diameter.

An adult produces 1.5-2 liters per day. saliva. The rate of its secretion varies depending on a number of factors: age (after 55-60 years, salivation slows down), nervous excitement, a food irritant. During sleep, saliva is released 8-10 times less than during wakefulness. Stress, fear and anesthesia also provoke a decrease in the secretion of the fluid described. Chemical composition saliva is subject to daily changes, it depends on the age of the person, the presence of any diseases, varies during the intake of medicines and in case of intoxication. In mixed saliva small quantities free cholesterol and its esters are present fatty acid, glycerophospholipids, hormones (cortisol, estrogens, progesterone, testosterone), various vitamins and other substances. In addition, saliva can detect gingival groove fluid, serum components and blood cells, bacteria and their metabolic products, desquamated epithelium and cellular components, viruses and fungi, food debris and sputum isolated from the bronchi. On the other hand, 99% of the composition of this secret is “ordinary” water, in which all of the above components are dissolved.

Functions of saliva:

• takes part in cleansing the oral cavity from food debris, plaque and bacteria;
• due to buffering properties, it neutralizes the negative effect of strong acids and alkalis;
• ensures the supply of ions necessary for remineralization of teeth;
• has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties;
• reinforces motor functions chewing and swallowing food;
• moistens the oral cavity, promoting articulation;
• provides better perception taste sensations due to dissolution chemical substances, which are part of the food;
• by the action of salivary enzymes oral cavity digestion of carbohydrates begins (they are partially hydrolyzed by a-amylase to dextrins and maltose);
• thanks to the enzyme ptyalin, saliva converts food starch (not capable of diffusion and absorption) into dextrin, and then into easily digestible grape sugar.

Decreased salivation and changes in the composition of this fluid lead to digestive disorders and dental diseases. With a sharp and prolonged restriction of saliva secretion, for example, with xerostomia, intensive development of caries is observed, pathological phenomena also arise in the periodontium. There are conditions in which the production of saliva, on the contrary, increases. This can happen, for example, in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is the norm.

According to scientific experiments conducted on dogs, a full life without saliva is quite possible. In any case, in dogs in which all three pairs of salivary glands were removed, specialists did not note noticeable changes in behavior and nutrition. Animals after the operation continue to live indefinitely. Obviously, the mucous glands of the oral cavity in them begin to function in an enhanced mode to maintain the required level of moisture.

Have you ever wondered why we need saliva? Saliva has a lot of functions, and above all, it is an excellent diagnostic material! Like urine, feces and blood. And one spit can tell a lot about the body.

There is an opinion that many dangerous viruses- for example, HIV - is not transmitted through a kiss. It is not true! In the saliva of an infected person, there is exactly the same amount of virus as in the blood. At the time of a kiss, an average of 60 mg of saliva with various organic substances, as well as fats, salts and about 20 thousand bacteria, 95% of which are harmless, enter from mouth to mouth. However, many diseases are transmitted through saliva. human papillomavirus, chlamydia, heliobacteria, causing ulcers, etc.

That is why rapid saliva HIV tests are now being actively used.

By the way, an ovulation test can give positive result in both men and women.

This speaks of elevated level luteinizing hormone. This may be due to insufficient function of the gonads, kidney failure, pituitary tumors or ... due to fasting and sports training.

These tests must be taken to make sure that there are no diseases in the body.

Where does saliva come from and what is it for?

We have three pairs of large salivary glands(submandibular, parotid, sublingual), and many small ones. Saliva wets the oral cavity, promoting articulation, provides the perception of taste sensations, lubricates and glues chewed food, facilitating swallowing. in addition, it cleans the oral cavity, has a bactericidal effect, and protects teeth from damage. under the action of saliva enzymes in the oral cavity, the digestion of carbohydrates begins.

Why does the word "lemon" salivate in the mouth? It's a reflex - like blinking. It is almost impossible to control this process.

Do you know what the most useful product for the teeth, it's cheese. 100 grams of Dutch cheese covers the daily requirement of an adult for calcium. Cheese also creates a protective shell on the teeth and neutralizes acidity in the mouth, so it’s not for nothing that cheese is usually served after dessert in the best cuisines of the world.

Why do people spit? Many native tribes still hunt by spitting - they spit sticks poisoned with poison through a tube. Not only a person expresses emotions with the help of spitting. Many animals use spit as a warning signal or as a weapon - cobras, spiders, camels.

From 1 to 2.5 liters of saliva is secreted in the body per day! And with the saliva that a person secretes during his life, you can fill 2 pools!

If there is too much saliva, this process is called salivation. And it could be alarm signal about a hidden disease.

By the way, in the medicine of our ancestors, a piece of snake skin moistened with human saliva was used to treat wounds. Saliva was also mixed with ashes to treat lichen.

Salivation is under the control of the vegetative nervous system, and the centers of salivation are located in medulla oblongata, and the composition of saliva is automatically adjusted depending on the composition of the food.

Until saliva soaks the food, we cannot determine its taste.

Saliva has a boiling point three times that of ordinary water.

Saliva can be used to diagnose stress. The salivary secrete certain "stress enzymes", which can be easily determined in saliva.

Saliva contains our complete DNA genetic blueprint, and in a form that is much easier to work with than DNA isolated from other materials.

Interesting to know that saliva can be a delicacy! There is such a low-alcohol drink - chicha. It is mainly prepared by women, chewing bread from cornmeal and then spitting out the resulting mass. Under the influence of saliva enzymes, starch turns into sugar, and the drink begins to ferment. The strength of chicha can be from 1% (for everyday use) to 6% (for drinking during religious holidays). In addition to corn, chicha can also be made from cassava, rice, grapes or apples.

There is such a disease as acid reflux. Gastric juice travels up the esophagus and into the throat, causing a bitter taste in the mouth during or after meals.

The most common reason acid reflux is overeating, eating spicy and fatty foods, as well as the lack of normal intervals between meals. In addition to bitterness in the mouth, symptoms of acid reflux can include heartburn, bad smell from the mouth, headaches, bloating, increased gas formation, nausea and sore throat, which are the result of irritation of the mucous membrane caused by gastric juice.

For determining this disease there is an acidity test that determines the pH level in the oral cavity. Best time to determine the pH level - 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.

The ideal pH level is above 7. This is a neutral environment. If the indicators are significantly lower - at risk tooth enamel which can lead to the development of caries. If the saliva pH level remains between 6.4 - 6.8 throughout the day, this is also an indication of the health of your body.

In children, the average acidity of mixed saliva is 7.32 pH, in adults - 6.40 pH

If the body is disturbed acid-base balance The body does not absorb minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium poorly. And they are responsible for the functioning of vital organs.

As you can see, saliva is not only our protector, but also the carrier of all microorganisms that enter the oral cavity. Don't forget to rinse your mouth! Especially after eating, because particles of leftover food accelerate the development of caries. Also, saliva is an excellent material for diagnosis. And with the help simple test on acidity, you can prevent the development of caries, and in time to notice problems with digestion, and with the body as a whole. Watch your health!

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The process of digestion of food is complex, it consists of several stages. The very first begins in the oral cavity. If on initial stage violations are observed, then a person may suffer from gastritis, colitis and other diseases and not even suspect that they were caused, for example, by insufficient production of saliva. The functions of saliva, what it is - the questions that we have to figure out now.

• What is saliva and its role in digestion
• Compound
• Functions of saliva
• human saliva enzymes
• Ptyalin (amylase)
• Bactericidal substance - lysozyme
• Maltase
• Lipase
• carbonic anhydrase
• Peroxidases
• Nucleases
• Interesting Facts

What is saliva and what does it consist of

Human saliva is a fluid produced by the salivary glands. Small and three pairs of large glands secrete it into the oral cavity (, and). Let's look at the composition and properties of saliva in more detail.

The functions of this fluid are to envelop the food entering the oral cavity, partially digest it and help in the further “transportation” of food to the esophagus and stomach.

Table 1. Composition of human saliva

A pH value of 5.6 to about 7.6 is considered normal. The higher this figure, the more healthy environment is created in the oral cavity.

The reaction of saliva normally should not be acidic. Acidity indicates that microflora is present in the mouth. The more alkaline environment, the better the oral fluid performs protective functions, in particular, protects tooth enamel from the development of caries. In such an environment, bacteria almost do not multiply.

What are the functions of human saliva?

Functions of human saliva:

• breakdown of complex carbohydrates;
• acceleration of the digestion process;
• bactericidal action;
• facilitating the promotion of the food bolus from;
• wetting of the mouth.

Saliva is not only enzymes, protein compounds and trace elements. These are also bacteria, as well as the remnants of their vital activity, decay products that are in the mouth. It is due to the presence of these organic substances that the salivary fluid in the oral cavity is called mixed. That is, in the human mouth - not a substance produced by the salivary glands in pure form, but a mixture of this fluid and microbes that "live" in the oral cavity.

The composition of saliva is constantly changing. In a dream, he is alone, and after a person wakes up, brushes his teeth and has breakfast, he changes.

Some enzymes found in saliva change in percentage with age. The value of any of the elements is great. It cannot be said that some of the enzymes are more important, and some are less important.

Enzymes found in saliva

Human saliva enzymes are of great importance. These are organic substances of a protein nature. In total, 50 types of enzymes are known.

There are 3 major groups:

• enzymes that are formed by the cells of the salivary gland;
• waste products of microorganisms;
• enzymes released during the destruction of blood cells.

Enzymes disinfect the oral cavity. We list the main "subgroups":

• amylase (aka ptyalin);
• maltase;
• lysozyme;
• carbonic anhydrase;
• peroxidase;
• proteinases;
• nucleases.

Another active substance is mucin - we will return to it and its role a little later.

Amylase (ptyalin)

What is amylase for? It is an enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates. Starch begins to "decompose" into simple polysaccharides. They enter the stomach and intestines, where substances are present that digest them and allow them to be effectively absorbed.

Monosaccharides and disaccharides are the results of the "work" of amylase. Knowing what function the saliva enzyme ptyalin performs, we now understand: without this element, normal digestion of any products that contain saccharides would be impossible.

Lysozyme - saliva disinfectant

Lysozyme is extremely important in saliva. This protein has a bactericidal effect: it destroys the walls of bacterial cells, thereby protecting a person from many diseases.

Gram-positive bacteria, as well as some types of viruses, are sensitive to lysozyme.

Maltase

Among the enzymes of paramount importance, we note maltase. What substances are broken down under its influence? It is the disaccharide of maltose. As a result, glucose is formed, which is easily absorbed in the intestines.

Lipase

Lipase is an enzyme that is involved in the breakdown of fats to the state in which they are able to be absorbed into the blood from the intestines.

There is another group of enzymes - these are proteases (proteinases). They contribute to the preservation of proteins in an unchanged (that is, natural, "natural") state. Thanks to this, proteins retain their functions.

carbonic anhydrase

We note several more groups that are also part of saliva. This, in particular, is the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which accelerates the process of splitting the C-O bond. As a result, water and carbon dioxide. After a person has a snack, the concentration of carbonic anhydrase increases. Why does a person need carbonic anhydrase? It contributes to the normal buffering capacity of saliva, that is, it helps it retain the properties necessary to protect the crowns of the teeth from the effects of "harmful" microorganisms.

Peroxidases

Peroxidases accelerate the oxidation of hydrogen peroxide. As you know, this element adversely affects the enamel. On the one hand, it helps to get rid of plaque, but on the other hand, it weakens the enamel coating.

Nucleases

There are also nucleases in saliva - they take part in the improvement of the oral cavity, fighting the DNA and RNA of viruses and bacteria. The source of nuclease formation is leukocytes.

Why is saliva viscous and foamy

Normally, the liquid present in the mouth is clear and slightly viscous. Viscosity is imparted to the secretion by mucin, as a result of articulation (the work of the speech apparatus), air enters the saliva and bubbles form. The more bubbles, the more light is refracted and scattered, so it seems that the saliva is white.

If the oral fluid is collected in a transparent glass dish, it will settle and again become homogeneous and transparent. But this is normal.

A change in color, consistency and an increase in the volume of the foam may be due to pathological processes in the oral cavity and adjacent organs. In particular, saliva may become completely white, like foam. This is due to the fact that mucin in saliva is formed in excess(for example, when physical activity) "saves" water and the secret becomes more viscous, as a result of an increase in the concentration of mucin.

White and frothy saliva can be released during galvanism, a disease of neurological origin. With this disease, irritated nerve center, headaches, poor sleep are possible.

Local signs:

• foamy saliva;
• metallic or salty taste;
• burning in the sky.

Usually the disease affects people who have old metal crowns. They secrete substances that negatively affect the nerve center, as a result, the composition and functions of saliva change. For complete cure it is necessary to replace the crowns, as well as regularly rinse your mouth with anti-inflammatory solutions, take sedatives.

Saliva acquires white color with candidiasis (it develops as a result of excessive reproduction of the fungus due to a decrease in immunity). Here, the treatment tactics are aimed at restoring immunity and suppressing the reproduction of the fungus.

The composition of the salivary fluid includes lysozyme, which is recognized by scientists as a strong disinfectant.

The fact that saliva normally has a slightly alkaline reaction, we have already said. But the amount of this fluid that the glands secrete has not yet been thought about. So, imagine: from 0.5 to two liters of saliva is released per day!

What do enzymes in the mouth break down? Mainly polysaccharides. The result is glucose. You probably paid attention to the fact that bread, if chewed, or potatoes acquire a slightly sweet taste? This is due to the release of glucose from complex sugars.

Another interesting thing is that saliva contains an anesthetic substance - opiorphin. It helps to cope, for example, with a toothache. If you learn how to isolate and use this painkiller, you will get the most natural medicine in the world that cures many ailments.

Saliva is a very important fluid. Any violations in its composition or quantity should alert you. After all, poorly digested food will not be able to fully assimilate, will receive less nutrients which means the immune system will be weakened. Therefore, let's not consider violations in the production of saliva a trifle - any ailment should make you see a doctor as soon as possible to find out its causes and try to completely eliminate it.

saliva is biological fluid secreted by three pairs of major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual) and hundreds of minor salivary glands. The secret of the salivary glands is supplemented by components of blood serum, intact or destroyed cells of the mucous membranes, immune cells, as well as intact or destroyed microorganisms of the oral cavity. All this defines saliva as a complex mixture of various components. saliva plays important role in the formation of acquired dental plaque on the surface of the teeth, and due to the lubricating effect is involved in maintaining the integrity of the oral mucosa and upper divisions GIT. Saliva also plays an important role in physicochemical defense, antimicrobial defense, and oral wound healing. Many components of saliva, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and ions, are finely regulated when certain biological functions saliva. Breaking the complex balanced composition saliva leads to damage to the mucous membrane of the mouth and teeth.

Saliva functions are normal

• Moisturizing
• cleansing
• Lubrication
• Digestion
• Remineralization of the dental system
• (maintaining pH due to buffering properties)
• Maintaining the integrity of the mucous membranes
• immune protection
• Antimicrobial protection (antifungal, antibacterial)
• Stimulation of minor salivary glands
• Facilitate swallowing
• Taste
• Speech articulation

saliva production

is under the control of the autonomic nervous system (Fig. 1).

According to the type of secretion, the salivary glands are divided into

Serous: the secretion is very thin and watery

• parotid glands
• small glands of the tongue serous glands Abner

• palatine glands
• posterior lingual glands
• labial minor salivary glands

Mixed secretion: the secret of a mixture of two

• sublingual glands - mostly mucus with some serosity
• submandibular glands - mostly serous with some mucus
• Anterior lingual glands - mixed secretion. Mucosal glands are innervated sympathetic department autonomic nervous system, and serous parasympathetic (Fig. 1).

Salivary glands are classified into large small

Large glands secrete saliva intermittently (Fig. 2). Small glands secrete saliva constantly.

parotid glands

The largest of the 3 major glands. Produce 30% of the total volume of saliva produced. ducts parotid glands opens into the oral cavity at the level of the maxillary second molars. Innervated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. They secrete saliva of the serous type.

submandibular glands

The second largest salivary glands. Produces 65-70% of the total volume of secreted saliva. The channel of the gland is called the submandibular duct, it opens at the top of the sublingual papillae. Located in a recess on the lingual side of the lower jaw.
They are innervated by parasympathetic nerves and do not have receptors for sympathetic nerves. Mixed secretion - mostly serous.

sublingual glands

The smallest of the major glands. They produce less than 5% of the total secreted saliva. Saliva enters the oral cavity through the Bartholin canals, which open in the sublingual fold. Innervated by parasympathetic fibers. Little or no sympathetic influence. Mixed secretion - mainly mucosal (mucous).

Minor salivary glands

Found throughout the mouth:

• The mucous membrane of the oral cavity (cheeks)
• Floor of the mouth
• The minor salivary glands play an important role in the formation of saliva.

Salivation (flow of saliva)

Basal secretion (salivation without external stimulus) is usually 0.2 ml - 0.3 ml per minute. If it is less than 0.1 ml per minute, then this means that the person has hyposalivation. Hyposalivation - insufficient production of saliva.

Stimulated salivation - response to a stimulus, usually taste, chewing or, for example, during a meal, medication - usually from 1.5 ml - 2 ml per minute. If the stimulated flow of saliva is less than 0.7 ml per minute, then they speak of hyposalivation.

On average, a person produces approximately 0.5 liters - 1.5 liters of saliva per day.
Salivation is determined by the time of day (Fig. 3). Salivary flow decreases at night.

The composition of saliva

90% of saliva is water. 10% - inorganic and organic ions and cellular components. Sodium, potassium, calcium are positive ions (cations), chloride, bicarbonate and phosphates are negative ions (anions). Cationic and anionic components play an important role in the function of saliva. Fluoride is also secreted into saliva. Unlike other salivary ions, the fluoride content (level) in basal and stimulated saliva does not change.

Organic components of saliva

Enzymes:

• Amylase - conversion of starch to glucose and fructose
• Lysozyme - prevents bacterial infections in the oral cavity
• Histatins - prevent fungal infections
• Secretory IgA - immune mediator
• Lactoperoxidase - stimulation of minor salivary glands
• RNases and DNases - cellular contents
• Lipase - initiates the digestion of fats
• Kallikrein is a regulator of vascular tone.

Cellular composition of saliva

• epithelial cells
• Neutrophils
• Lymphocytes
• bacterial flora.

Nature has created our body as a harmonious whole, in which there is nothing superfluous. This also applies to saliva, which plays a huge role in maintaining normal state organs and tissues of the oral cavity.

If we did not have saliva, then hyposalivation would develop - dry mouth, due to which, after 3-6 months, there would be multiple damage to the teeth by caries. With a lack or absence of saliva, chewing and swallowing food is difficult.

Functions of saliva

Saliva has a complex composition and performs a variety of functions. Among the most important of them are digestive, antibacterial, antiviral, moisturizing, protective, anti-caries etc.

Parotin, which has hormone-like properties, was isolated from saliva. Saliva forms food bolus and easier swallowing. Saliva plays an important role in speaking: its presence ensures free movement of the tongue and lips in the oral cavity. dissolve in saliva nutrients, therefore, the process of digestion of food begins already in the mouth thanks to the enzymes contained in it. Also, the taste perception of food is possible due to the presence of saliva.

An important point is that saliva contains mineral components, and this contributes to the process of remineralization of hard tissues of the tooth. On the surface of the tooth, saliva forms a protective organic film, the pellicle, which prevents the action of acids on the tooth enamel. Another function of saliva is a cleansing function in the oral cavity.

In relation to the oral mucosa, saliva performs the following functions:

• antiseptic due to the content of lysozyme, beta-lysine, secretory immunoglobulin A, leukocytes
• mucosal hydration,
• trophic - the implementation of nutrition of the epithelium of the mucous membrane, which does not contain blood vessels.

What happens when there is a decrease in saliva secretion?

First of all, this can lead to the development of xerostomia and its complications in the oral cavity - rapidly progressive caries, marginal periodontitis, mucositis with excruciating burning and pain, candidiasis, swallowing disorder (dysphagia), speech problems, bad breath, constipation and even psychological problems.

Xerostomia is manifested by numerous symptoms. First of all, these are complaints of dry lips and oral cavity. In complicated conditions, patients note difficulty in speech and difficulty in taking dry food. Patients are forced to drink dry food with water. And the insufficient cleansing function of saliva in the oral cavity retains food residues on the teeth, which leads to bad smell from the oral cavity. All these troubles gradually lead the patient to chronic irritation, changes in the psyche and social maladaptation.

Lack of saliva secretion is a reason to see a doctor, and not only a dentist, but also a therapist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, etc.