Oral Physiology Modules 3-5

Saliva

A fluid produced by the salivary glands that lubricates and protects the oral cavity and influences oral flora.

95%

Percentage of the total salivary flow that are produced by major salivary glands

1) Parotid Gland

2) Submandibular Gland

3) Sublingual Gland

The three major salivary glands

Parotid Gland

The largest salivary gland, produces 60-65% of the total salivary flow, located near the ear.

Submandibular Gland

An irregular, walnut-shaped salivary gland that produces 20-30% of saliva, located at the angle of the mandible.

Sublingual Gland

The smallest salivary gland, produces 2-5% of saliva, located beneath the floor of the mouth.

Minor Salivary Glands

Glands producing the remaining 5% of total salivary flow, including labial, buccal, and lingual glands.

1. Pharmacologic agents

2. Psychological

3. Size of gland

4. Interference with taste perception

5. Age changes

6. Systemic diseases

7. Disease of the salivary gland

8. Irradiation of glands

These are the eight factors that affect salivary secretion (PPSIASDI)

Protects/maintains the integrity of teeth, tongue, and mucous membrane of oral and pharyngeal areas

This is the most important attribute of salivary secretion

Immunoglobulins

Antibodies present in saliva that play a role in immunity.

1. Lubrication and Protection

2. Buffering Action

3. Maintenance of Tooth Integrity

4. Antibacterial activity

The four roles of saliva in oral health

1. Digestive

2. Excretory

3. Solvent

4. Protective

The four functions of saliva

Pellicle

A thin film of glycoprotein that forms on the teeth, assisting in protection against plaque formation.

Plaque

Localized concentration of microorganism on the tooth surface

Calculus (Tartar)

Calcified plaque that forms on the teeth, acting as a mechanical irritant.

Subgingival

A type of calculus that is dark brown/black, very hard in consistency, and is found in periodontal pockets of a tooth

Supragingival

A type of calculus that is creamy white/yellowish in color, hard in consistency, and seen opposite the opening of the major salivary glands

Dental Caries

A microbial disease causing demineralization and destruction of the tooth structure.

Gingival Fluids

Fluids that seep through the sulcular epithelium found in the gingival sulcus.

Pre-Eruptive Phase

A phase of tooth eruption wherein the enamel organ lying within the developing jaw reaches full size along with completion of tooth crown calcification

Eruptive or Pre-Functional Phase

The phase of tooth eruption that begins with root formation and ends when the tooth reaches the occlusal plane.

Post-Eruptive or Functional Phase

The phase of tooth eruption that occurs after the tooth has reached the occlusal plane, involving continued maturation and adaptation of the tooth in the oral cavity.

Continuously Growing Tooth

A category of mammalian teeth wherein there is continuous growth of the tooth at the apex and continuous eruption occurs throughout the life of an animal. There is no gross separation between the anatomical crown and root. Common characteristic of rodent incisors.

Continuously Extruding Tooth

A category of mammalian teeth that has a defined crown and anatomical root. No new tooth structure is formed, resulting in gradual loosening of the tooth. Common characteristic of sheep and cattle incisors.

Continuously Erupting Tooth

A category of mammalian teeth common in humans. Eruption occurs due to the addition to the alveolar process

First Theory of Tooth Eruption

The tooth is pushed out of the bone by forces generated beneath and around the tooth

Second Theory of Tooth Eruption

The tooth is pulled out as a result of tension developed in the periodontal ligament.