How does saliva prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
• The flow of saliva helps to wash away food debris. • It is alkaline, and so it helps to neutralise mouth acids and reduce decay. • It helps to protect the teeth from erosion caused by acids in the diet. • The saliva dilutes the strength of the acid. • Saliva slows or inhibits plaque growth and calculus formation. • This reduces the risk of gum disease. • The calcium content of saliva can help to reverse the early stages of decay. This is called remineralisation.
