What is the purpose of saliva? • Lubrication and binding. Saliva binds chewed food to make it easier to swallow and digest it. • Wetting of dry food. Saliva moisturizes food. Without this, we would not be able to taste food. • Oral hygiene. Saliva washes the mouth and keeps it clean. Some enzymes contained in saliva destroy pathogenic bacteria. • Starch digestion. Salivary glands produce a small amount of amylase, which promotes the digestion of starch. • Alkaline buffer. Saliva helps to maintain the balance of acids in the mouth and stomach.