Operation Ouch Season 5 Episode 5 Super Saliva

In Operation Ouch season 5 episode 5, titled "Super Saliva," host doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the amazing properties and functions of saliva in the human body. The episode kicks off with an experiment that tests the audience's saliva production by stimulating their taste buds with different flavors. The doctors use this opportunity to explain how the brain sends signals to the salivary glands to produce saliva and emphasize the importance of saliva in digestion.

The next segment features a young patient who is experiencing excessive drooling, also known as hypersalivation. The doctors explain the possible causes of hypersalivation such as neurological disorders, medication side effects, and dental problems. They perform a saliva flow test on the patient to determine the rate of saliva production and recommend a treatment plan depending on the cause of the condition.

Moving on, the host doctors visit a laboratory to learn about the science of saliva. They meet Dr. Paul Anderson who is researching the antibacterial properties of saliva. He explains that saliva contains antimicrobial peptides that kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevent dental decay. To demonstrate this, the doctors conduct an experiment that shows how different types of mouthwash affect the growth of bacteria in a petri dish.

In yet another experiment, Chris and Xand explore the viscosity of saliva by measuring how much weight it can support before breaking. They compare human saliva to the saliva of animals such as snakes, lizards, and baboons, which have different consistencies and purposes.

Later in the episode, the doctors receive a bizarre case that involves a patient who has chewed on their own lips, tongue, and cheeks for several years. The condition, known as oral self-injurious behavior, is a rare disorder that can cause severe damage to the oral cavity. The doctors explain why some people engage in such behavior and the negative consequences it can have on their health. They recommended treatment options which include behavioral therapy and medication.

The episode concludes with a fun challenge that involves spitting. Chris and Xand challenge each other to a distance spitting competition and measure the velocity of their saliva using a speed gun. They explain how the tongue, teeth, and lips work together to form the shape of the mouth and affect the speed and distance of saliva.

In summary, "Super Saliva" is an educational and entertaining episode that explores the fascinating world of saliva. The doctors use creative experiments, interesting cases, and expert interviews to showcase the importance and complexity of saliva in the human body. Viewers will learn how saliva plays a crucial role in digestion, dental health, and antibacterial defense, and gain a newfound respect for this often-overlooked bodily fluid.