title: Saliva composition and functions: a comprehensive review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to perform a literature review about the composition and functions of saliva as well as describe the factors that influence salivary flow (SF) and its biochemical composition.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Saliva represents an increasingly useful auxiliary means of diagnosis. Sialometry and sialochemistry are used to diagnose systemic illnesses, monitoring general health, and as an indicator of risk for diseases creating a close relation between oral and systemic health.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review provides fundamental information about the salivary system in terms of normal values for SF and composition and a comprehensive review of the factors that affect this important system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since several factors can influence salivary secretion and composition, a strictly standardized collection must be made so the above-mentioned exams are able to reflect the real functioning of the salivary glands and serve as efficient means for monitoring health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since many oral and systemic conditions manifest themselves as changes in the flow and composition of saliva the dental practitioner is advised to remain up-to-date with the current literature on the subject.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine of School of Dentistry at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
authors.forename: Patricia Del Vigna
authors.initials: Pdel V
authors.lastname: de Almeida
authors.forename: Ana Maria Trindade
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Grégio
authors.forename: Maria Angela Naval
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.forename: Antonio Adilson Soares
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: de Lima
authors.forename: Luciana Reis
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Azevedo
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002021:Buffers; D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000502:physiology; D012636:Secretory Rate; D012737:Sex Factors; D014089:Tooth Remineralization
chemical_list: D002021:Buffers; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides