title: [The role of saliva in maintaining oral health].
abstract: It is now established that saliva is important for the health of both soft and hard oral tissues. This article focuses on the role played by saliva in influencing oral structures: the most important factors related to it will be illustrated. The action of saliva and the multifunctional aspects of its components in both detrimental and beneficial effects on oral health are underlined.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Odontostomatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Giovanni Battista di Torino, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy. patrizia.defabianis@virgilio.it
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Defabianis
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Re
mesh_terms: D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D006706:Homeostasis; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D009909:Oral Health; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D012472:Salivation; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000209:etiology; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones; D008903:Minerals; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents