Complementing salivary protection through oral care products

Abstract Body: Complementing salivary protection through oral care productsThe importance of saliva in the maintenance of oral health is well accepted. The role of saliva includes digestion, protection of teeth and soft tissues, and its contribution towards maintaining an ecological equilibrium in the mouth. There are many mechanisms by which the composition of the oral microflora is modulated by saliva, including by inhibition of microbial growth through a variety of salivary proteins and enzyme systems. This presentation will describe an approach to oral hygiene inspired by the natural defence mechanisms in saliva. Oral hygiene products formulated with amyloglucosidase, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G will be discussed. These products are formulated to deliver biologically important salivary components to the mouth during use, to complement salivary protection against the causes of common oral problems.