What purpose does saliva serve in the process of digestion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Salivation has an important role in the first stage of digestion because it lubricates the mouth,facilitates the movement of the lips and the tongue during swallowing,and washes away bacteria.Saliva consists of approximately 99.5% water that contains a large amount of ions such as potassium,chloride,bicarbonate,thiocyanate,and hydrogen,as well as immunoglobulin A,which is vital for destroying oral bacteria and mucus.

What Purpose Does Saliva Serve in the Process of Digestion