26 - Physiology of saliva. Gingival sulcus fluid - orihin, composition and functions

Composition of saliva

• 600-1000 ml produced daily

• Immunoglobulins - IgA, IgM, IgG

• secretory proteins - amylase, lipase, lysozyme, lactoferrin

• Electrolytes Na, Ca, K , Cl, Mg

• Growth factors

• Hormones

Function of saliva

• buffer to maintain pH of oral cavity

• Antimicrobial

• Digestive = amylase and lipase

• Lubrication - mucins aid in speech, mastication and swallowing

• Remineralisation = Ca and K ions repair early enamel demineralisation

regulation of saliva

• controlled by autonomic nervous system via symphathetic and parasympathetic branches

• Stimulated flow - triggered by stimulus, thought, taste, smell, sight

• Unstimulated flow - resting salivary flow, not triggered by a stimulus

origin of gingival sulcus fluid

• originates from the blood vessels in the underlying connective tissue of the gingiva

• It’s a fluid that leaks out of blood vessels due to the presence and permeability of the capillaries, especially in response to inflammation or other stimuli

composition of gingival sulcus fluid

• microphages

• macrophages

• immunoglobulins

• urea

• lysozyme

• lactoferrin

function of gingival sulcus fluid

• defense - helps flush out bacteria and other pathogens, contain IgG and IgA

• Inflammation indicator

• Tissue health - provides nutrients and removes waste products