Chicago Dentist - Saliva

Saliva

Saliva is a liquid mix of water, minerals, proteins, antibodies and antimicrobial agents. Saliva testing is used to diagnose measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A, B and C, HIV, tuberculosis, influenza and certain cancers. Saliva can be used to monitor hormone counts and organisms that contribute to gum disease and cavities.
Saliva combats tooth decay in two important ways:

1) by neutralizing bacterial acids;
2) by refortifying outer tooth strength with an abundance of minerals and proteins.