Journal
ORAL DISEASES
Volume 24, Issue 8, Pages 1399-1416Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/odi.12867
Keywords
digestion; human salivary glands; mastication; saliva; swallowing; taste
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Saliva exerts multiple functions in relation to the initial digestive processes taking place in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Ingestion of food and beverages, in turn, is a strong stimulus for secretion of saliva with a differential composition depending on the neuronal stimulation pattern. This review paper provides insight into the mechanisms by which saliva acts in relation to taste, mastication, bolus formation, enzymatic digestion and swallowing. Also, the protective functions of saliva including maintenance of dental and mucosal integrity will be discussed as they indirectly influence the digestive process. The final part of this study focuses on the implications of xerostomia and salivary gland dysfunction on gastrointestinal functions.
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