Saliva Say: suh-ly-vuh Slimy! Slippery! Saliva is none other than spit, the clear liquid in your mouth that's made of water and other chemicals. Saliva helps keep the mouth moist and contains an enzyme that starts to break down food even before it hits your stomach! Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.