Читать книгу Basic Guide to Oral Health Education and Promotion - Alison Chapman - Страница 60

Here are some general points of interest about saliva:

 More is secreted when required (reflex action).

 Composition varies according to what is being eaten (e.g. more mucous with meat).

 Average amount produced daily by adults is 0.5–1 L. Certain medical conditions and disabilities cause the overproduction of saliva, resulting in dribbling (e.g. patients with Down’s syndrome and Parkinson’s disease, and fungal infections, such as angular cheilitis – see Chapter 8).

 Flow almost ceases during sleep.

 Saliva is sterile until it enters the mouth.

 Saliva tests can be used to solve crimes, since saliva contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which can be used to help identify individuals. Dental companies sell saliva testing kits, which can be used by OHEs to demonstrate saliva pH to patients.