Function
pThere are a large number of salivary glands within the human body. These can have different functions. The most important function of the salivary glands within the oral cavity is the production and secretion of a viscous to thin fluid secretion.
Among other things, this secretion serves to moisten the oral cavity. In addition, one function of the salivary glands in the oral cavity is to keep the chyme moist and lubricated during the intake of food. This facilitates the act of swallowing and the transport of food between the esophagus and the stomach entrance.
The function of the salivary glands within the oral cavity also includes the production and secretion of some enzymes. The enzymes relevant in this context belong to the group of so-called “amylases”. These enzymes have starch-cleaving properties and therefore allow digestion to begin within the oral cavity.
Furthermore, a decisive function of the salivary glands, or saliva, is to act as an acid-base buffer within the oral cavity. The standard pH value of the oral cavity can be shifted by the consumption of various foods. Normally, the pH in the oral cavity should be around 7 (neutral range).
If the pH drops, demineralization processes on the surface of the tooth roots may occur already at a value of about 6.7. At a pH value of about 5.5, the enamel can also be irreversibly damaged. An increased pH can also have a negative influence on oral health.
In this context, the salivary glands have the function to adapt the production of saliva to the environmental conditions. This is done by controlling the viscosity of the secretion. In order to be able to buffer effectively, the secreted saliva can have a higher or lower liquid and/or protein content. Finally, the saliva secreted by the salivary glands also has a cleansing function. Particularly thin secretions can wash around the individual teeth and thus remove food residues.