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Oral Health and Dentistry

Salivary glands, saliva and the composition of teeth

  • 3 things to know
  • A2 7

Overview

The parotid, submaxillary and sublingual glands, saliva in digestion, protection and lubrication, dry mouth, the composition of enamel, dentine and pulp, fluoride and unfluoridated water in Northern Ireland.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why are the salivary glands important both for digestion and for dental health?

Key term

Name the three pairs of main salivary glands.

Key term

Compare the structure and secretion of the parotid, submaxillary and sublingual glands.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Name the three pairs of main salivary glands.

    Model answer

    The three pairs are the parotid, submaxillary and sublingual glands. The submaxillary glands are also called the submandibular glands.

  2. 2

    Compare the structure and secretion of the parotid, submaxillary and sublingual glands.

    Model answer

    The parotid glands are the largest and produce watery saliva rich in amylase. The submaxillary glands produce mixed watery and mucous saliva, and the small sublingual glands produce mainly thick mucus.

  3. 3

    Where are the parotid glands found?

    Model answer

    The parotid glands lie in front of and below each ear. The ducts open inside the cheeks opposite the upper molar teeth.

  4. 4

    Where are the submaxillary and sublingual glands found?

    Model answer

    The submaxillary glands lie beneath the lower jaw on each side. The sublingual glands lie in the floor of the mouth under the tongue.

  5. 5

    Why are the salivary glands important for digestion?

    Model answer

    Saliva contains enzymes that begin digesting starch and fat. Saliva also moistens food so it can be chewed and swallowed.

  6. 6

    How does saliva protect dental health?

    Model answer

    Saliva washes food away from the teeth and neutralises plaque acids with its buffers. Saliva also supplies calcium and phosphate ions that help repair early enamel damage.

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