MANY persons associate bacteria with disease which is obviously a bad thing. But some bacteria which reside naturally in the mouth are relatively harmless and in some cases even helpful. Others are more aggressive and troublesome, causing cavities and gum disease. One of the most troublesome ones is called Streptcoccos mutans ( S. mutans). It is the primary cause of the cavities in our teeth. This species, and others like it, thrive on sugar and refined carbohydrates. As part of the bacteria’s digestive process, sugar is converted into acid and released as a waste product.

This acid erodes the enamel of the teeth, weakening the protective covering on the teeth and initiating decay. This is why people who eat a lot of sweets generally have a lot of rotten teeth (caries). Now, no matter how often you brush your teeth, floss, and attempt to sterilise your mouth with oral disinfectants, the effect you have on the bacterial population is only minor. Most of these germs will survive the treatment and multiply and repopulate this ideal habitat. So the battle against these squatters will remain constant.
If it was not for your saliva, your teeth would rot and your mouth would be covered with infections regardless. A new product currently being introduced is the Kaboom Xero Stick which promotes salivation and is proven to clinically improve oral health. Readers may research this produce for themselves from: www.ImproveOralHealthNow.com. Saliva is essential for the digestion of food as well as keeping our mouth healthy. It contains a complex mixture of enzymes, buffers, antibodies and nutrients that fight off disease and keep the teeth and gums in good working order.
Saliva is the body’s most important protection against tooth decay. Saliva lubricates the mouth, washes away food debris, acts as an anti-microbial and cleanser by breaking down bacterial cell walls and inhibiting growth. It contains bicarbonates, which acts as a buffer by neutralising acid production and controlling plaque pH, while at the same time protecting the enamel by using calcium and phosphates to help repair tooth decay.
Nothing cleans your teeth better than your own saliva as it is low in salt and anti-bacterial activity. Additionally, saliva is an excellent chemical buffer for the entire mouth, as it is supersaturated using the ions which make up the mineral content of the teeth (calcium, phosphate and hydroxyl ions).
In a healthy person the loss of mineral is naturally balanced by saliva. As long as the plaque pH (acidity) is above 5.5, the calcium and phosphate ions from the saliva can repair the damaged mineral crystals from the enamel. However, when the pH level is below 5.5 the saliva and plaque are saturated and demineralisation occurs. This basically means that teeth softer and even dissolve.
We produce about two and a half pints of saliva each day and every teaspoon of that contains about two and a half billion bacteria. Now here is where the role of these bacteria comes in. Enzymes in the mouth begin the process of digesting the foods we eat. Carbohydrates (starches), the primary nutritional component of grains (in bread, etc.), fruits, and vegetables, are broken down into smaller units and simple sugars by salivary enzymes. Bacteria in the mouth feed on these starches and sugars, producing potentially harmful acids. Saliva dilutes the acids and neutralises them with chemical buffers. This way, a more neutral pH ( degree of acidity) is maintained.
In addition, saliva contains unique antibodies and antimicrobial compounds that help control the growth of certain pathogenic organisms (disease causing germs). Unfortunately, these compounds do not kill all troublemakers, and the mouth and the saliva still harbour many potentially harmful germs. Saliva also contains a high concentration of certain mineral ions, particularly calcium and phosphate, the main ingredients of teeth. Microscopic damage to tooth enamel can be remineralised, and therefore repaired, by saliva. That is why artificial saliva is sold in pharmacies in the USA.
Throughout the day saliva is produced. At certain times, such as when a meal is being eaten, saliva excretion increases. At night, when you sleep, little or no saliva is produced. People who do not drink enough liquids during the day become chronically dehydrated or have medical conditions that reduce saliva output have a significantly greater amount of tooth decay and gum disease.