Dentistry and Craniofacial Research

Why is saliva so important for your patient’s health?

EuroSciCon Conference on Dental & Dental Hygiene
March 26-27, 2018 Edinburgh, Scotland

Colin Dawes

University of Manitoba Dental College, Canada

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Den Craniofac Res

DOI: 10.21767/2576-392X-C1-003

Abstract

This course will touch on several clinical conditions in which saliva plays a very important role. The first of these is dental caries and the second is dental erosion. In both these conditions tooth mineral is dissolving due to the presence of acid in the mouth. We will discuss why teeth dissolve in acid and the different ways in which saliva and the acquired enamel pellicle influence these two conditions, as well as those of attrition and abrasion. Participants will learn how to differentiate among the various possible causes of erosion and dental caries. The opposite problem is the formation of dental calculus, where mineral is depositing in dental plaque. We will discuss how saliva influences this process and its role in the site-specificity of dental calculus. Saliva has recently been suggested to be important for the health of the oesophagus, particularly in patients with acid reflux. Participants will learn the possible benefits for the oesophagus of salivary stimulation. Participants will also learn to differentiate among the many possible causes and treatments available for patients with xerostomia or dry mouth, with an emphasis on the various drug categories which may lead to this condition. Since saliva is being used in preference to blood as a diagnostic fluid for various drugs and diseases and particularly as a source of DNA for genetic studies, we will discuss some of the implications of these studies. Colin.Dawes@umanitoba.ca