Aiming to prevent the harmful bacteria present in the mouth from causing problems like gum infections, good oral hygiene which includes proper brushing and flossing daily and using natural oral care products are the considered to be a strong cornerstone to periodontal health and general health. The natural defense that we already have is the thing the we less likely know to prevent gum infections, cavities, swollen and bleeding gums is our saliva. It is our saliva that has the ability to control these harmful microbes that are always present in the human mouth. Saliva is helpful in limiting the dental problems because it has specialized enzymes that help produce antibodies which can kill harmful bacteria like the S. mutans which is a common cause of cavities and other oral health problems. Added to that your saliva is a wealthy source of oxygen which is something that the harmful or anaerobic bacteria cannot thrive that is why they tend to live behind layers of plaque and tartar where the saliva cannot penetrate.