title: [The role of saliva in the oral defence mechanisms].
abstract: Saliva plays an important role in oral health, regulating and maintaining the integrity of the oral hard tissues and soft tissues. This paper reviews the role of saliva in the oral defence mechanisms. The most important salivary immune and non-immune defence proteins and constituents that take part in the pellicle formation and re-mineralisation processes are introduced. General health conditions, medications and salivary gland disorders influencing the defence potential of the saliva are discussed. Treatment possibilities of such conditions, and the future perspective of saliva research is also presented.
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis Egyetem, Fogpótlástani Klinika, Budapest.
authors.forename: Lilian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dalmadi
authors.forename: Tibor Károly
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Fábián
mesh_terms: D044622:Dental Pellicle / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009909:Oral Health; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D012472:Salivation; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor