Why is saliva important for dental health?
Dental caries is the result of an imbalance between demineralization and remineralization. Plaque pH falls each time acids accumulate from the mouth due to bacterial acid production following the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates – mainly sugars – from foods and drinks. Within five to ten minutes of eating and drinking, the acids can cause the pH to drop to a level low enough (below pH5.5 approximately) for the minerals from the tooth’s enamel to be dissolved (demineralisation) causing initial lesions (white spots) which can lead to dental decay. Saliva neutralizes these acids and helps to repair the damaged mineral crystals from the enamel by replacing the lost minerals (remineralisation).
