What are the functions of saliva?
• Saliva plays a vital role in several important oral functions: • Eating: Unless food is moistened by saliva it cannot be properly tasted or chewed. • Swallowing: Dry food is difficult to swallow. It could tear the lining of the throat. Liquid is needed to be able to swallow. • Speech: Speaking dries the mouth. Despite the normal presence of saliva, speakers often need to sip water when they make long speeches. Normal speech would be impossible without saliva. • Digestion: Food that is not chewed and moistened by saliva is difficult for the stomach to process. • It plays an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. • It may be used to test for diseases such as cancer and HIV.
