Saliva and oral health

Abstract Body: Saliva is crucial for the maintenance of oral health and is one of the factors responsible for the ecological equilibrium in the mouth. Saliva also plays an essential role in a number of oral and gastrointestinal functions. The importance of saliva in the maintenance of oral health becomes evident when salivary flow is reduced, increasing the risk of oral diseases such as dental caries, erosion and oral candidal infections. The presentation focuses on factors and conditions influencing saliva flow rate and composition during a lifetime such as diet, physical activity and stressful events.