The sensation of the mouth ‘watering’ is caused by the secretion of saliva by the salivary glands. This saliva moistens the food, making it easier to chew and swallow, and also contains enzymes that initiate the digestion of certain food components.
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The mouth “waters” when we eat something we like due to a conditioned response known as anticipatory or reflex salivation. The brain, recognizing the pleasurable taste or aroma of favored foods, signals the salivary glands to produce more saliva in preparation for digestion. This heightened salivation serves multiple purposes: it aids in moistening and lubricating the food for easier swallowing, initiates the digestive process by providing enzymes like amylase, and enhances taste perception. The anticipatory salivation is a natural response, reflecting the body’s preparation for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption when encountering enjoyable or appetizing foods.