Saliva

digestion · body science · mouth

Mostly water. Saliva is about 99% water, which helps you swallow food and keep your mouth moist all day long.

Germ fighter. Your saliva contains white blood cells and special antimicrobial agents that work hard to kill harmful bacteria and keep your mouth healthy.

Digestive helper. Saliva has powerful enzymes that start breaking down your food the moment it enters your mouth, making digestion easier for the rest of your body.

Made by glands. Your salivary glands are like tiny factories tucked around your mouth that produce saliva all day, even when you're not eating or thinking about food.