Saliva

Saliva has four jobs:

Slippery Glycoprotein- protects soft lining of mouth and lubricates solid foods so that they are easier to swallow Buffers- neutralize food acids to prevent tooth decay (ex. tomato sauce, orange juice) Anitibacterial agents- kill bacteria which enter with food and could be harmful Salivary Amylase- digestive enzyme- hydrolyzing starches- break down macromolecules by putting H2O back into bonds

(Third Edition Biology Concepts and Connections)