The role of saliva in the digestion of food are, It moistens the food for easy swallowing. It contains a digestive enzyme called salivary amylase, which breaks down starch into sugar. Lubricates and moistens food, thus aiding in swallowing Aids in food particles to stick together for the formation of the bolus, so that they cab swallowed as a mass Cleans the mouth, tending to destroy germs to prevent tooth decay Brings about the conversion of starch into maltose through the enzyme ptyalin