Saliva 'may speed healing' but 'kissing it better' probably won't

Conclusion This complex study helps us understand the biological mechanisms behind wound healing in the mouth and the role of saliva in promoting wound healing. As well as keeping the mouth moist and reducing levels of harmful bacteria, saliva contains a protein that encourages the movement of cells in ways that help wounds to heal. It's possible this might lead to the development of new wound-healing treatments in future; however, this study didn't look at future uses – it simply helps us better understand how the body heals itself. Before any new treatment could be developed, further studies in cell lines and in animals, followed by extensive studies in humans, would be needed to ensure that any treatment was safe and effective. That's a long way off. Next time you bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek, just imagine the proteins in your saliva working away to help to heal the wound as quickly as possible. But it's best not to imagine any more than that. While kissing your child's grazed knee may have a powerful placebo effect, we'd recommend reaching for some antiseptic cream and a plaster too. Links To The Headlines Pucker up... kissing it better really works: Saliva found to have properties that help speed up the healing process. Mail Online, August 9 2017 Links To Science Torres P, Díaz J, Acre M, et al. The salivary peptide histatin-1 promotes endothelial cell adhesion, migration, and angiogenesis. The FASEB Journal. Published online July 27 2017
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Source Type: news