Saliva: an all-rounder of our body

Abstract Saliva is a multifaceted bodily fluid that is often taken for granted but is indispensable for oral health and overall well-being in humans. Although mainly comprised of water (99.5%), proteins, ions and enzymes turn saliva into a viscoelastic solution that performs a variety of vital tasks. This review article gives a brief overview of the salivary gland system, as well as the composition, output and functions of saliva. It also addresses the current applications of saliva for diagnostic purposes, the clinical relevance of saliva in oral diseases as well as current treatment options.