PHYSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SALIVA ACT AS A WOUND HEALING

Dr. Padminee*

ABSTRACT

The oral cavity is a moist environment; a film of fluid called saliva constantly coats its inner surfaces and occupies the space between the lining of oral mucosa and teeth. Saliva is a complex fluid, produced by the salivary gland, whose important role is maintaining the wellbeing of mouth. According to Ayurveda immune system and such all other protective mechanisms in the body have been grouped under ‘Kapha’. Vagbhata named all five subtypes of ‘Kapha’ for the first time. Bodhaka Kapha is said to be present in oral cavity and helps in the perception of taste and some protective functions. Regulating the wound healing response and microbiota, saliva is thought to contribute to the almost scar‐free healing in the oral cavity. The wound healing properties of saliva was already acknowledged by the ancient Greeks 2,000 years ago when they applied snake saliva to open wounds to enhance cutaneous wound healing.

Keywords: Oral cavity, Saliva, salivary gland, Immune System, Bodhaka kapha, microbiota.