title: [Saliva: natural protection against caries].
abstract: Salivary secretions protects the teeth and the oral mucosa. The physiology and biochemistry of saliva are discussed in detail. Following functions of saliva such as mechanical protection of teeth and mucosa; antimicrobial properties of saliva, regulation of pH and the role of saliva in de- and remineralisation of dental enamel are reviewed. Salivary gland dysfunction (etiology and treatment) emphasises the item of caries prevention.
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institute, Dept. of geriology, Huddinge.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lagerlöf
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000502:physiology; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D014070:Tooth / Q000502:physiology; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000503:physiopathology; D014089:Tooth Remineralization
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D013501:Surface-Active Agents
vernacular_title: La salive: une protection naturelle contre la carie.