Saliva has many protective functions as already mentioned, such as buffering, anti bacterial and remineralizing properties. Promoting salivary flow through mechanisms such as chewing sugar free chewing gum, provides additional minerals and beneficial effects.

Salivary gland duct position and dental caries

The parotid salivary gland duct enters the mouth near the upper first molar and the ducts of the submaxillary and sublingual salivary glands open near the lower lingual areas. As such, teeth close to these openings receive greater protective benefits from the saliva that flows out into the mouth through these ducts. Teeth further away from the duct openings, such as the labial surfaces of both upper and lower anterior teeth, the buccal aspect of lower molars and the distal surfaces of the upper second molar, receive less saliva and therefore less protection. It is in these areas that caries is found more predominately, demonstrating how important saliva is for dental caries development. It is important to understand the relationship between saliva excretion sites and tooth position when assessing caries risk (see diagram on the left).