Saliva

Saliva is a liquid that is produced in our mouth to help us eat, swallow and digest our food. The saliva comes from small glands located in our mouth and it is made up of water, proteins, enzymes, and other chemicals.

When we chew our food, the saliva helps to break down the food into smaller pieces so that our body can absorb all the nutrients. It also helps to moisten our food so that we can swallow it easily without feeling pain or discomfort.

Saliva has another important job, which is to protect our teeth and gums. It contains special enzymes that help to neutralize harmful acids that can cause cavities or tooth decay. It also contains antibodies that can fight off bacteria that may cause infections in our mouth.

Our body produces saliva all the time, but we tend to produce more saliva when we smell food or when we think about food. Saliva secretion can also increase if we are nervous or stressed.

In conclusion, saliva is an important liquid in our body that helps us chew, swallow, and digest our food. It also helps to protect our teeth and gums from infection and decay.