where does saliva come from

Saliva primarily comes from specialized salivary glands located in and around the mouth. The three major pairs of salivary glands—the parotid glands in your cheeks, the submandibular glands beneath your jaw, and the sublingual glands under your tongue—produce about 90% of saliva. Hundreds of minor salivary glands scattered throughout the lips, cheeks, tongue, and even the voice box contribute the remaining 10% by releasing saliva into the mouth through ducts. These glands produce saliva, which is mostly water (about 99%), along with proteins, enzymes, electrolytes, and mucins that help with digestion, oral lubrication, and protecting teeth and tissues inside the mouth. Saliva production is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and varies throughout the day. Saliva flows into the mouth through ducts from the salivary glands to keep the mouth moist and assist with chewing, swallowing, digestion, and oral health.