For dentists, saliva can be both a friend or a foe. It gets in the way during restorative dentistry procedures, but it is essential for the long term health of teeth and oral mucosa. Saliva has many roles beyond lubricating oral tissue. It mediates taste, plays a role in the immune response, and begins the digestive process. Patients often do not think about saliva until there is too little, or in some cases too much. Salivary secretion is a multifactorial process that can be altered in many systemic conditions. Dental professionals also need to be aware of salivary gland pathology from trauma-induced changes to tumours, both benign and malignant. Dental professionals need to apply a systematic approach to patients who present with salivary gland concerns. Finally, in the era of COVID-19 dentists need to be aware of the potential role of saliva in the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Learning Objectives: 

• Explain the development of the salivary glands
• Describe the structure and location of the major salivary glands
• Describe the structure and location of minor salivary glands
• Describe the histology of the salivary gland acini and relate it to their secretion
• Distinguish resting and stimulated salivary flow
• Explain the triggers of salivation
• List medications associated with decreased saliva flow (hyposalivation)
• List common systemic medical conditions associated with hyposalivation
• Explain the approach to patients with a complaint of dry mouth
• Explain the management of hyposalivation
• Describe the presentation of the most common salivary gland pathologies (benign and malignant) and their assessment
• Discuss saliva’s role in COVID-19

COURSE AVAILABLE UNTIL: July 23, 2023