Apple Valley, MN, March 29, 2015 - Mention the word “saliva” and many people think “spit” – or Pavlov’s experiment with dogs. By all accounts, spitting is considered an unpleasant habit. But Dakota Dental believes spit has gotten a bad rap. The Dakota Dental dentists in Apple Valley, Minnesota, want to correct some misconceptions about saliva, which actually plays an important role in oral health.

Saliva is comprised mostly of water but also contains enzymes to begin digestion and compounds to keep teeth strong and healthy. Saliva’s many purposes including protecting teeth, fighting germs, preventing bad breath, and helping a person eat.

Salivary glands, located inside the cheeks and at the bottom of the mouth, produce saliva when a person chews. Daily production averages at just between two and four pints of saliva.

Most people do not even think about saliva unless a problem is present – such as too little or too much. Too much saliva can cause chronic drooling and difficulty swallowing. Without enough saliva, however, a person develops a dry mouth, bad breath, and swollen gums and tongue. There are many causes of dry mouth including age, disease, and medication. Likewise, medications or health conditions can create an excess of saliva.

“Having a dry mouth makes one more susceptible to cavities and gum disease; we see the effects of this on a daily basis and it is a huge concern for the industry,” explains Dakota Dental’s Dr. Shelley Wakefield. “There are two products which can help protect one's teeth. One is a lubricant/artificial saliva which comes in the form of a mouth rinse, gel, or toothpaste; the other is a paste which coats the teeth and protects them in the absence (or lack) of saliva.”

The family dentists at Dakota Dental are very experienced in diagnosing and treating oral health problems. Dental health issues are nothing to be ashamed of, and Dakota Dental is ready to assist those who wish to obtain or maintain healthy teeth and good oral health.

To learn more about salivary issues or other dental health issues, contact Dakota Dental at www.DakotaDental.com or 952-431-5774.
Dakota Dental, located at 14682 Pennock Avenue in Apple Valley, serves the southern Minneapolis/Saint Paul suburbs. Dakota Dental provides comprehensive dental services including, but not limited to, preventative dental work, dental implants, dental care for kids, cosmetic dentistry, and dental emergency services.

Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
[email protected]
http://www.dakotadental.com