Most people don’t give much thought to their saliva, but it plays a vital role in keeping your mouth healthy. Every day, your salivary glands produce around 1 to 1.5 litres of saliva, helping to protect your teeth, gums, and oral tissues.
Meet Your Three Major Salivary Glands
You have three pairs of major salivary glands that work together to keep your mouth moist and healthy.
Parotid Glands
The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands and are located just in front of each ear. They produce a thin, watery saliva that is released when you eat, helping with chewing, swallowing, and digestion.
Submandibular Glands
Located beneath your lower jaw, the submandibular glands produce around 60–70% of your saliva. Their saliva is a mixture of watery and thicker secretions, providing constant lubrication and protection throughout the day.
Sublingual Glands
The sublingual glands sit underneath your tongue. They produce a thicker, mucus-rich saliva that helps keep the mouth comfortable and moist.
Why Is Saliva So Important?
Saliva does much more than keep your mouth wet. It:
- Washes away food particles and bacteria.
- Neutralises harmful acids that cause tooth decay.
- Helps repair early enamel damage by supplying calcium and phosphate.
- Makes it easier to chew, swallow, speak, and taste food.
- Helps protect the soft tissues of the mouth from infection and irritation.
Without enough saliva, the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, mouth ulcers, and oral infections increases significantly.
What Causes a Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth can occur for many reasons, including:
- Certain medications.
- Ageing.
- Menopause.
- Diabetes.
- Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Cancer treatment involving the head and neck.
- Dehydration or mouth breathing.
If you have a persistent dry mouth, it’s important to have it assessed, as it can greatly increase your risk of dental disease.
Looking After Your Salivary Glands
Keeping your salivary glands healthy is simple:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol to stimulate saliva.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
- Attend regular dental check-ups so any problems can be detected early.
The Bottom Line
Saliva is one of your body’s best natural defences against tooth decay and gum disease. Healthy salivary glands help protect your teeth every minute of the day, often without you even noticing.
At Dural Dental Practice, we understand the important role saliva plays in maintaining a healthy smile. If you’re experiencing dry mouth or have concerns about your oral health, our friendly team can help identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment to keep your mouth healthy for life.
