What is one of the functions of saliva?

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and aiding the digestive process, and one of its primary functions is acting as a buffer to neutralize acid. This buffering action is vital because it helps to maintain the pH balance in the mouth, which can be affected by the consumption of acidic foods and beverages or by bacterial metabolic activity. When saliva neutralizes acids, it protects the teeth from erosion and decay while also creating a more hospitable environment for beneficial oral bacteria.

While calcium is indeed present in saliva, it is not considered a primary source; rather, its role is more about facilitating remineralization of teeth than acting as a significant source of calcium. Saliva does contain some enzymes, such as amylase, which begin the digestive process by breaking down carbohydrates, but these are not responsible for germinating food. Furthermore, saliva does not contain hormones that regulate digestion in the way that substances produced by glands like the pancreas do. Thus, the buffering action of saliva stands out as a key function essential for oral and digestive health.