gland secretions
             „« Limited digestion of Carbohydrates and lipids
             The oral cavity contains the tongue, teeth and gums; the oral cavity is lined by the oral mucosa which consists of stratified squamous epithelium. Other areas of the oral cavity are covered with a layer of keratinised cells and these areas are usually subjected to severe abrasion such as the surface of the tongue, parts of the hard palate and parts of the roof of the mouth.
             The functions of the tongue can be summarised as follows:-
             „« Mechanical processing via compression, abrasion and distortion.
             „« Manipulation of foodstuffs to aid in chewing and to help prepare for swallowing.
             „« Sensory analysis of materials via touch, temperature and taste receptors.
             „« The secretion of mucus and an enzyme called Lingual lipase.
             The teeth aid in the mechanical breakdown of food, they are two parts to the teeth; the part embedded in the gum is referred to as the root, the exposed part of the tooth is called the crown (Turner, 1996). The gums (or gingival) are composed of squamous or parakeratinized epithelium and underlying fibrous connective tissue. The gums attach to the neck of the tooth and this attachments integrity is a major factor in gingival and periodontal disease (Evans, 2001).
             Within the oral cavity there are three pairs of salivary glands that supply salvia via ducts to the oral cavity; these glands are known as the Parotid, Sublingual and Submandibular. Salvia is composed of mucus which keeps the oral cavity moist and acts as a lubricant to aid in mastication (chewing), salvia also contains Serous exudates that have bactericidal properties that help to prevent infection (Little, 1996). Salvia production and movement is essential in maintaining a healthy oral cavity (Turner, 1996).
             Fungal problems are common in the very young and old, patients who are on antibiotic therapy or who are immunocompr...