Saliva helps wet the food, making its passage through the digestive tract smoother. Additionally, saliva contains enzymes like salivary amylase, which begins the breakdown of complex molecules like starch into simpler sugars.
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Saliva helps wet the food, making its passage through the digestive tract smoother. Additionally, saliva contains enzymes like salivary amylase, which begins the breakdown of complex molecules like starch into simpler sugars.
Saliva plays a crucial role in the digestive process. Produced by salivary glands, it contains enzymes, such as amylase, that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates into simpler sugars. Saliva also lubricates food, facilitating easier swallowing. Its antimicrobial properties help control oral bacteria. Additionally, salivary bicarbonate buffers acidic substances, contributing to a neutral pH environment in the mouth. This aids in protecting tooth enamel. Overall, saliva initiates the digestion of carbohydrates, enhances oral comfort, and supports oral health, laying the foundation for subsequent digestive processes in the stomach and small intestine.