The function of saliva

Saliva is a complex, and important biological fluid formed by organic and inorganic components. The organic components of saliva contain proteins, Immunoglobulins, amino acids, and enzymes. For example, one of the most important proteins in the saliva is mucin, it allows forming and swallowing of food and protection of soft tissues against mechanical irritation. Immunoglobulins are also present in saliva, they protect the oral cavity. Enzymes in saliva also have important functions. As we mentioned earlier Saliva breaks starch in foods into sugars.

The function of saliva can be organized into 8 major categories their purposes are to maintain oral health and create an appropriate ecologic balance: antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal functions. All these components in saliva work together in overlapping, and multifunctioning roles, to provide good oral health.