Abstract
Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic oral disease, influencing the oral and systemic health of the individuals, being the result of the interaction of multiple factors, such as microbial agents, the oral environment, the salivary pH, and the host response. The main process that occurs in dental caries is the demineralization of the tooth enamel, process that is directly influenced by the salivary pH, exposing the dental structures to the action of pathological agents. The role of saliva in the etiology of dental caries is a major one, by influencing the homeostasis through the altering of its buffer capacity. The properties of saliva are influenced either by local pathogens or through a general mechanism with direct implications upon the salivary components. The alteration of the salivary pH, flow rate, and composition will further have repercussions upon the cariogenic activity, through a change of its physiochemical properties. Nevertheless, the salivary pH is strongly linked to the incidence of dental caries, any persistent imbalance due to various causes can be assessed as an indicator of the oral health status.
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