Some Curiosities About Saliva
Throughout our life, it is estimated that we produce around 40,000 liters of saliva. This natural substance has many functions that we detail in this article.
Saliva is the transparent liquid produced by the salivary glands in the mouth. These are glands that are found in each cheek, under the jaw, and in the front part of the mouth. They continuously produce saliva.
Even if we rarely think about it, this liquid has many functions that we do not even suspect. It is not just used to help digest food and nourish us. Saliva is also involved in many processes such as maintaining the health of our mouths.
It is composed almost entirely of water, and also contains various substances which represent only 1% of the total. Therefore, saliva is a good indicator of the concentration of certain substances in our body, as is the case with drugs.
Today we present to you some curiosities about saliva. Few people know its characteristics and its important function within our organism.
How much saliva do we produce?
Our salivary glands constantly produce saliva, and the amount varies depending on certain stimuli. Indeed, the secretion peaks take place before, during and after meals. Likewise, production tends to decrease during sleep.
In total, we produce almost a liter and a half of saliva every day. Hunger is not the only stimulus that acts on saliva. It also increases during stressful situations or during sexual intercourse.
Some situations cause exactly the opposite: a decrease in the secretion of saliva. For example, smoking tobacco or consuming cannabis. This then leads to an imbalance which is particularly harmful to the health of the teeth and the mouth.
What are the functions of saliva in our mouth?
As we have already mentioned, this transparent liquid is essential for oral health. It actually acts as a natural antibacterial. Saliva contains many substances that defend us against infections. For example, the protein staterin .
On the other hand, it is responsible for regulating the pH of our mouth. It prevents the acidity from getting too high and prevents damage to teeth and mucous membranes. It also works as a lubricant by acting as a kind of protector against lesions.
This liquid is necessary for the sense of taste
In this small percentage that is not water, we find certain substances responsible for activating the taste buds. It is the receptors in the tongue that are responsible for triggering the sensation of taste.
These receptors can only function in a liquid medium. Saliva moistens them and allows them to perform their function properly. It is for this reason that we enjoy food. However, when we run out of saliva, we cannot experience this sensation.
Saliva contains an opioid substance
The opiates are substances obtained from opium which are used as analgesics. Some examples are morphine, or heroin. One of the curiosities is that in our saliva we find opiorphin.
Opiorphine acts as a natural pain reliever and is linked, among other things, to the feeling of pleasure we experience when eating. It appears to be six times more potent than morphine. Its possible use as a treatment is currently under study.
An important role in sexuality
We have mentioned that the amount of saliva increases during intercourse or arousal. This is not the only way it plays a role in our sexuality. Some scientists claim that this fluid is also an important hormonal communication mechanism.
When we kiss someone, an exchange of this fluid occurs between the two people. It seems that the concentration of different hormones can work by increasing the arousal of the other person.
To conclude, you should know that saliva can be a very good indicator of certain pathological processes. Its decrease is even one of the first symptoms that appears in certain diseases or syndromes such as Sjogren’s syndrome. Therefore, we must be attentive to it and take care of the health of our mouth.
