Mommy, kiss it and make it well: saliva reconsidered-some reflections on alloantisepsis.
Human saliva is a two-edged sword. The mouth can infect, and it can also heal. Saliva is a component of the immune system. Many antibacterial factors as well as digestive enzymes are present in sputum, and oxidizing agents abet oral defense mechanisms. The biological equilibrium of the mouth enhances its antimicrobial environment. Saliva cleans the wound by lavage, promoting healing while protecting injured tissues. Awareness of both the adverse and salubrious effects of sputum should inform the treatment of wounds with oral contact.
Department of Neurosciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W. Harrison Street, Suite 1106 PB 1, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Irwin_siegel@rush.edu
Irwin M
IM
Siegel
D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009055:Mouth / Q000737:chemistry; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D014945:Wound Healing
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides