Saliva plays several roles in the overall health of the mouth. Saliva protects teeth and gums from bacteria and acids, lubricates your mouth, begins the digestion process, and plays an important role in the complex taste process. Found six major and many minor salivary glands on the cheeks, lips, mouth, tongue, palate, and pharynx, write the American Society of Otolaryngology.
The von Ebner gland, also known as the serous gland, is a small salivary gland located on both sides of your tongue. Part of their role is to secrete amylase, a digestive enzyme that begins to break down the human anatomy and physiology of food pores as you chew. But the von Ebene type is unique in your mouth's glands because it's another purpose: to help taste.
