The Mouth: A Multifaceted Organ in Digestion: Diverse Roles of Oral Structures The mouth’s complexity extends beyond its mechanical and enzymatic functions. Each tooth type is anatomically suited for specific roles: incisors for cutting, canines for tearing, and molars for grinding. This division of labor ensures that food is adequately broken down, increasing the efficiency of subsequent digestive processes. Saliva: More Than Just a Lubricant Saliva, often underestimated, plays multifaceted roles in digestion. Beyond its lubricating properties, saliva contains amylase and lipase, initiating the breakdown of starches and fats, respectively. It also serves as a protective mechanism, neutralizing harmful bacteria through its antibacterial properties and maintaining oral pH balance, thereby preventing tooth decay and gum disease. The Tongue’s Role in Gus...