The next time you think “it’s only saliva”, consider this…
Your saliva contains mostly water, but it also contains electrolytes, bacteria, viruses, fungi, proteins, and secretions from your nose and lungs. You may see TV detectives on CSI or Law and Order collect a suspect’s saliva to get a DNA sample. That is because cells from the lining of your mouth can also be found in saliva, and these cells contain DNA. A “cheek swab” is actually the more accurate way of obtaining someone’s DNA.
Saliva also provides clues about what you have been doing. For instance, it can reveal whether you have been using recreational drugs such as cocaine, barbiturates, and marijuana. In the future, scientists hope to use saliva samples to detect levels of certain medications in the body. They also hope to use saliva as a way to detect disease in the future.
Some people believe it is helpful to lick their wounds because they’ve heard that saliva can be a disinfectant. The truth is that our mouths are full of bacteria, and those bacteria can cause a cut to become infected if you lick it. So, contrary to the popular expression, please do NOT lick your wounds.
Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. For more information on my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com
Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
July 28, 2010
Sources: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/oral-care/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100259909
