The Importance of Saliva

Saliva plays a far more important role in your body than most people realize. It's not just "mouth moisture" – it's a biological fluid rich in enzymes and proteins that protect, heal, and balance your entire oral and systemic health.

Salivary Enzymes: Not Just for Your Mouth  

Saliva isn’t just water — it is a complex biological fluid containing essential enzymes and proteins that actively protect and maintain oral health. Here are the key salivary enzymes and their roles:

  • - α-Amylase: Begins the digestion of carbohydrates and helps clear food particles from the mouth
  • - Lysozyme: Breaks down bacterial cell walls; has strong antibacterial properties
  • - Lactoferrin: Binds iron, inhibiting bacterial growth
  • - Peroxidase (salivary peroxidase & myeloperoxidase): Neutralizes harmful acids and reduces oxidative stress
  • - Histatins: Antifungal proteins, especially effective against Candida
  • - Statherin: Maintains the stability of calcium and phosphate, preventing calculus formation
  • - Mucins: Lubricate the oral tissues and help trap and clear microbes
  • - Proline-rich proteins (PRPs): Help bind tannins and protect enamel from erosion

The Impact of Spitting on Salivary Enzymes 

When you spit forcefully or rinse your mouth right after brushing, you wash away this protective blend of enzymes — weakening your mouth’s natural immunity and self-repair mechanisms.

Fluoride Needs Time

Most kinds of toothpaste contain fluoride, which strengthens enamel by forming fluorapatite — a more acid-resistant mineral than natural hydroxyapatite. But fluoride needs contact time to be absorbed into the enamel. If you rinse or spit immediately after brushing, you dilute or remove this active ingredient, reducing its remineralizing and cavity-preventing effects.

What Happens When You Don’t Spit Immediately?

- Salivary enzymes remain on your teeth longer, aiding plaque control, acid neutralization, and bacterial balance

- Fluoride and other minerals in toothpaste continue to act on enamel

- Oral pH remains more alkaline, creating a favorable environment for enamel repair

- You improve the effectiveness of medicated toothpastes, like those used for sensitivity, gum disease, or enamel protection

When Spitting May Be Harmful

Avoid spitting or rinsing immediately in the following situations:

- After using fluoridated toothpaste (especially in children)

- When using sensitive teeth formulations- Post-scaling or periodontal therapy, where healing support is needed

- In patients with early enamel erosion or white spot lesions 

Dentist’s Advice

- Spit out the excess toothpaste foam gently, but do not rinse with water immediately

- Leave the residue in the mouth for at least 20–30 minutes to maximize its benefits

- If needed, you can use a small amount of fluoride mouth rinse after 30 minutes, as advised by your dentist.

Dr. Sumit Dubey 

B.D.S, M.D.S, F.I.C.O.I. (PROSTHODONTIST AND ORAL IMPLANTOLOGIST)

C - 95, Lajpat Nagar I, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Ph. & Mail I'D - 9999335502 , drdubey79@gmail.com

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