On any given day, your body produces about 50 ounces of saliva. But I bet you aren't thinking about your spit when it comes to general health. Believe it or not, it pays a major role in your health and disease risk. Saliva is a natural mouth disinfectant. It consistently works to help maintain the health of your gums, prevent tooth decay and even wash away food particles. It also provides disease-fighting substances to prevent cavities and other infections. When saliva keeps your mouth clean is when the condition of your spit is healthy. This key bodily fluid can provide clues to other things going on in your body. Pay attention to these signs. 

1. Your mouth is dry: It could be medications you take. More than 300 medications such as antihistamines and decongestants cause dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth tends to come about as we age and health concerns force you to take more medication. Be extra vigilant about your dental hygiene to combat this effect and avoid cavities. 

2. It’s white and clumpy: This could indicate you have an oral infection. The candida albicans fungus causes a yeast infection in your mouth which is called thrush. It's quite rare in healthy adults, people who diabetes and may be especially vulnerable since sugars in the saliva can lead to yeast growth. Doctors can prescribe an antifungal medication you can swish in your moth to clear up the infection. 

3. Saliva contains certain RNA molecules: Saliva tests can provide a lot of information about your genetic makeup and hormones. From diabetes to cancer, saliva holds much promise to diagnostic tools for diseases much like a vial of blood. It can provide your doctor much insight in the circadian rhythms for better sleeping, eating, and weight loss recommendations. 
 

4. Saliva could be too acidic: You can taste the difference. If your mouth is near a neutral pH balance. A dentist can quickly assess your pH with a spit strip or solution. If you pH is off, bacteria can multiply in the cozy nooks and crannies of your teeth. Acidic saliva can also erode your teeth and cause cavities. 

5. There’s too much of it. Pregnant women tend to produce more saliva. This can track back to the changing hormones within ourselves. There is not real risk for potentially spitting at your friends when you talk. 

6. It’s bitter or sour. You may have reflux. This condition can allow stomach acid to bubble up into your throat, producing telltale icky flavor. Apart from a sour taste in your mouth and throat, the most common symptom of reflux is heartburn.