A New Test That Uses Saliva Samples to Predict a Person's Age

Assessment might prove useful in solving crimes and improving care, researchers say A new test that uses a saliva sample to predict a person's age within a five-year range could prove useful in solving crimes and improving patient care, University of California, Los Angeles geneticists say. Their test focuses on a process called methylation, a chemical modification of one of the four building blocks that make up DNA.''

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Do Not Be Postponed For The Treatment of Dry Mouth

Almost everyone’s mouth is dry sometimes. But if you feel like you have cotton in your mouth constantly, it may be time for treatment. Dry mouth, known medically as xerostomia, occurs when you don’t have enough saliva, or spit, in your mouth. Feeling stressed can trigger dry mouth temporarily. But a persistently dry mouth may signal an underlying disease or condition, so it’s important to see your doctor, says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates products that relieve dry mouth. And because dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, you

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Salivary Gland Problems (salivary gland infection)

Saliva-saliva : Your salivary glands produce as much as a quart of saliva each day. Saliva is important to lubricate your mouth, help with swallowing, protect your teeth against bacteria, and aid in the digestion of food. The three major pairs of salivary glands are:

• Parotid glands on the sides of the face
• Submandibular glands at the floor of the mouth
• Sublingual glands under the tongue

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Is This Your Question: What is Parotid Gland Cancer?

The parotid gland is the largest of the major salivary glands and the most likely to develop cancer. It is located in the cheek in front of the ear. The smaller major salivary glands are the sublingual salivary glands, which are under each side of the tongue, and the submandibular glands, which are under and inside the lower jaw bone (the mandible), toward the back. There are also a number of small minor salivary glands in the mouth. The salivary glands produce saliva, which helps keep the mouth moist and aids in digestion. Several different types of cells can be found in salivary glands; as a result, several different types of cancers can develop. Some are slow growing; others are more aggressive. The risk of parotid and other salivary gland cancers seems to increase following radiation exposure. The risk also tends to go up with age; salivary gland cancers are most common in people age 55 or older. Overall, salivary gland cancers are quite rare, occurring in approximately two in every 100,000 people each yar in the United States.''

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