Saliva And Oral Health

Health professionals are more and more aware of the importance of saliva for oral health and well-being. As saliva secretion is steadily compromised with advancing age, it becomes a factor of concern in societies with an aging population, especially with a growing number of people who keep their own teeth. The numerous functions of saliva, like antimicrobial activity, lubrication, wound healing and its role in taste experience are only truly recognized when saliva secretion is hampered. In medical diagnostics, saliva shows its value as a safe and economical alternative to blood. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in salivary research by some of the world’s leading experts in the field. Chapters deal with various aspects: anatomy and physiology, e.g. regeneration of salivary glands, saliva functions, e.g. its protective and rheological properties, and diagnostics and disorders, e.g. xerostomia and hypersalivation. This book is not only recommended to basic scientists working in the field of oral biology, but also to dental students, dentists and health professionals who want to know more about one of the most underestimated bodily fluids.

Salivary Diagnostics surveys one of the most exciting areas of research in oral biology. Regarded as the mirror of the body, saliva has immense potential to yield real clinical improvements in our ability to diagnose, and hence treat, oral and systemic conditions. The composition of saliva and other oral fluids reflects the tissue fluid levels of therapeutic, hormonal, and immunological molecules, as well as the presence of markers for systemic and oral disease.

This book provides a thorough update on Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and its adverse impacts on oral health. The opening section focuses on the clinical and laboratory characteristics of SS and its current management. Here, readers will find information on diagnostic criteria, pharmacotherapy, dental management, and the importance of saliva in oral health and SS. Attention then turns to the immunopathogenesis of SS, which includes the mechanisms of secretory dysfunction, myoepithelial cell functions in salivary gland physiology and disease, dysregulated innate and adaptive immunity, and B-cell expansion and neoplasia. The final section details important advances in SS diagnosis and therapy. The differential diagnoses of recurrent glandular swelling, glandular irrigation and sialendoscopy, and salivary gland ultrasound for SS in children are explained, along with the pharmacological management for SS, clinical care for dry eyes, and gene therapy. This book will be of interest to not only dental practitioners and researchers but also rheumatologists and pathologists.