07/25/2026
Let’s talk about spit!
You need a good amount of saliva to help wash away food and buffer the pH in your mouth to help reduce tooth decay! Majority of what we eat causes an acidic environment for our teeth. Most medications and some disorders cause dry mouth. It takes 30-40 minutes for your saliva to neutralize your acidic mouth after eating or drinking granted you have a normal amount of saliva production. It’s important to talk to your dentist about how to manage dry mouth and your diet to keep your teeth healthy.
Most people think brushing and toothpaste are the only things protecting their teeth. But one of the most important defenses is something the body produces naturally—saliva.
Every day, saliva continuously washes away food particles, neutralizes harmful acids produced by oral bacteria, and supplies calcium and phosphate that help repair microscopic enamel damage before it develops into a cavity. It also helps control harmful bacteria, lubricates the mouth, and protects the gums and other oral tissues.
When saliva production decreases—even slightly—this natural protection begins to weaken. Acids stay on teeth longer, enamel loses minerals more easily, and bacteria thrive. This creates the perfect environment for cavities to develop, especially in the deep grooves of the back teeth where food and plaque collect.
Saliva works around the clock to protect teeth—but it can't do the job alone. Good oral hygiene, adequate hydration, a balanced diet, and regular dental checkups work together with saliva to help prevent tooth decay and keep the mouth healthy.
