PHYSICAL WELLNESS

where digestion begins

THE MOUTH

The mouth is the very first step of your digestive system. It’s where food enters, is broken down mechanically by chewing, and chemically by enzymes in saliva. Beyond digestion, the mouth also supports breathing, speaking, tasting, and overall health.

  • Breaks food down with teeth and chewing (mechanical digestion)

  • Releases saliva to moisten food and start chemical digestion

  • Detects flavors through taste buds, guiding appetite and nutrition

  • Shapes words and supports speech with the tongue and lips

  • Acts as a gateway for both the digestive and respiratory systems

MOUTH BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for mouth related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Oral Cavity - The inside of the mouth, including tongue, teeth, and gums

Saliva - Fluid that moistens food and contains enzymes for digestion

Amylase - Digestive enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch into sugar

Pharynx - Shared throat passage for food (to esophagus) and air (to lungs)

Bolus - The small ball of chewed, moistened food ready to be swallowed

Taste Buds - Sensory cells on the tongue that detect sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami

WHAT THE MOUTH WORKS WITH

THE MOUTH + OTHER SYSTEMS

  • Teeth → Grind and cut food into smaller pieces for easier swallowing

  • Salivary Glands → Produce saliva with enzymes (like amylase) to break down starches

  • Tongue → Helps with chewing, taste, and moving food to the throat (swallowing)

  • Esophagus → Receives chewed food and moves it to the stomach

  • Respiratory System → Shares the mouth and throat (pharynx) as a passage for air

  • Nervous System → Controls taste perception, chewing, swallowing, and speech coordination

A healthy MOUTH:

Good oral health supports the whole digestive system. Regular brushing, flossing, hydration, and nourishing foods keep teeth and gums strong. Saliva production is key—staying hydrated helps maintain it. Since the mouth reflects overall health, paying attention to changes in gums, teeth, or tongue can reveal deeper imbalances.