The Impact of Sialadenitis on Salivary Function and Tooth Enamel Health: A Literature Review

Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health by protecting tooth enamel through its buffering capacity, antimicrobial activity, and remineralization potential. Disruption of salivary function may compromise these protective mechanisms and increase the risk of enamel demineralization and dental disease. This study aims to review and analyze the impact of sialadenitis on salivary function and its implications for enamel integrity and overall dental health. A narrative literature review was conducted using scientific articles and textbooks published between 2014 and 2020, obtained from electronic databases including Google Scholar, Garuda, and SINTA. The selected literature focused on salivary physiology, the pathogenesis of sialadenitis, enamel structure, and the relationship between salivary dysfunction and oral health outcomes. The analysis revealed that sialadenitis is associated with reduced salivary flow, xerostomia, and altered saliva composition, leading to diminished buffering and antimicrobial capacity. These changes promote prolonged acidic conditions in the oral cavity, increasing the risk of enamel demineralization, dental caries, and secondary oral infections. Chronic or recurrent sialadenitis further exacerbates salivary hypofunction, particularly in elderly individuals and patients with systemic diseases, thereby accelerating enamel deterioration and negatively affecting oral health. In conclusion, sialadenitis indirectly but significantly influences enamel health through its adverse effects on salivary quantity and quality, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate management, and preventive oral care strategies to preserve enamel integrity and maintain optimal oral health.