Читать книгу The Impact of Nutrition and Diet on Oral Health - Группа авторов - Страница 23

Hyposalivation is a significant burden for many individuals and may affect various aspects related to the quality of life [42]. It plays a central role in taste, speech, cleaning, digestive function, protection of teeth, and control of oral microflora [43]. It is of particular protective importance in relation to dental caries. Saliva is produced by major and minor glands and is composed of >99% water and electrolytes. Salivary gland hypofunction can be seen as a consequence of several systemic conditions. This includes the medical area incorporating diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, eating disorders, and diabetes. A reduced salivary secretion rate may also be seen as a side-effect of radiation therapy in the head and neck area, as well as being due to a wide range of medications. Severe general malnutrition and particular nutrients may also affect salivary gland production. For those suffering from xerostomia and those with a suspected low secretion rate which may influence disease pattern, it is important to assess the salivary secretion level.