Abstract
The maintenance of balanced oral homeostasis depends on saliva. A readily available
and molecularly rich source of biological fluid, saliva fulfills many functions in
the oral cavity, including lubrication, pH buffering, and tooth mineralization. Saliva
composition and flow can be modulated by different factors, including circadian rhythm,
diet, age, drugs, and disease. Recent events have revealed that saliva plays a central
role in the dissemination and detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. A working knowledge
of saliva function and physiology is essential for dental health professionals.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 14, 2021
Footnotes
Supported by the Training Program in Oral Sciences, R90DE022529 (HU), and R21DE026861 (CEO) from National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR/NIH).
Identification
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© 2021 by the Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
