Saliva: a fountain of opportunity.
Saliva continues to demonstrate that it is more complex than generally perceived and has more diagnostic value than is generally appreciated. This article will review some of the components and functions of saliva; discuss its promise as a diagnostic aid; review some of the problems associated with inadequate salivary function; and, it is hoped, enhance oral health care providers' appreciation of the importance of saliva in everyday clinical practice.
Navazesh
Mahvash
M
Division of Diagnostic Sciences at University of Southern California School of Dentistry, 90089-0641, USA. navazesh@usc.edu
Denny
Paul
P
Sobel
Stephen
S
D003933:Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; D012472:Salivation; D012636:Secretory Rate; D014987:Xerostomia
D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides