Abstract

COMPOSITION AND FUNCTION OF SALIVA: A REVIEW

Sana Fatima*, Muhammad Muzammal, Aqsa Rehman, Kaleem Ullah Shah, Muhammad Kamran, Saima Mashal, Saqib Ali Rustam, Muhammad Waqar Sabir and Aiman Nayab

ABSTRACT

Saliva is a secretion produced by exocrine gland called the salivary gland. 1-1.5L of saliva is produced daily on average in a normal person. Oral mucosal cells that need to be lubricated all the time so that aberrations and injuries to the oral cells could be lowered thus oral cavity has a constant flow of saliva all the time and it’s important to omit infections in the salivary gland entering through the mouth. Saliva plays and important role in scattering the food all over the oral cavity and taking the tastant toward the specified region of taste while the salivary enzymes help in digestion of food. Saliva also help control buildup of plaque or dental carries and protect the enamel of teeth at the same time. Salivary proteins also have protective functions against bacteria, viruses and fungi and it’s also involved in healing processes. In this review we will discuss the major functions and composition of saliva and this will help the future and current researchers.

Keywords: Exocrine gland, Infections, Bacteria, Viruses and Fungi.