A review of saliva: normal composition, flow, and function.
An adequate supply of saliva is critical to the preservation and maintenance of oral tissue. Clinicians often do not value the many benefits of saliva until quantities are decreased. Much is written on the subject of salivary hypofunction, but little attention is paid to normal salivary flow and function. This article is a brief, up-to-date overview of the literature on the basics of normal salivary composition, flow, and function. A review of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE and Healthstar (1944 through 1999); articles were selected for inclusion on the basis of relevance and significance to the clinician.
Humphrey
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Department of Oral Health Practice, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Chandler Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40536-0297, USA. sphrdh@pop.uky.edu
Williamson
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D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002021:Buffers; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009077:Mucins / Q000502:physiology; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000502:physiology; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000503:physiopathology
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002021:Buffers; D009077:Mucins; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides