Most people do not think much about their saliva unless their mouth feels dry. However, saliva does far more than keep your mouth comfortable. It helps wash away food particles, supports swallowing and digestion, protects the soft tissues in your mouth, and plays an important role in protecting your teeth from acids. One part of that protection is saliva pH. The pH of your saliva gives an indication of how acidic or alkaline the environment in your mouth is. This matters beca

Most people think tooth decay starts with sugar. That is only part of the story. Tooth decay develops when certain bacteria in the mouth use sugars from food and drinks to produce acids that weaken tooth enamel over time. Saliva, fluoride exposure, diet, oral hygiene, dry mouth, medical history and previous decay can all influence the balance between damage and protection. The Australian Dental Association explains that saliva and fluoride help protect teeth by neutralising a