Hi. We’re Dr. James D. Geren and Dr. Zeyad Mady. Welcome to our Alexandria family dentistry blog. Today we’ll be looking at the complexity and importance of your saliva. Though most people may think it’s gross, saliva is essential to dental health as well as digestion.
Saliva is mostly water, but a small portion of it is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The pH balance of the mouth is maintained by saliva, and pH balance is a key factor in the development of cavities and other forms of tooth decay.
The minerals in saliva help to maintain the enamel surface of the teeth. Immunoproteins in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gum disease.
Now that Mt. Vernon area residents know how important saliva is to dental health, we’m sure you can see why ample salivary flow should concern you. For most of our cosmetic dentistry patients, everyday chewing is enough to stimulate salivary glands to release saliva. However, dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is an ailment that should be dealt with quickly before oral health complications occur.
If you are in the Mt. Vernon, or Alexandria area and are looking for quality dental care, please contact our office today at 703-360-5881. We have been providing general and cosmetic dentistry in Alexandria since 1983.
Our caring, compassionate staff would be happy to talk to you about cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, dental implants, dental crowns, and the other services we provide to our valued patients.
Dr. James D. Geren
Dr. Zeyad Mady
Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria Virginia
703-360-5881
https://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/