Mouth with Braces

• Lips: Surround the mouth and help in food manipulation.
• Teeth: Used for biting and chewing food; adults typically have 32 teeth.
• Gums: Support and protect the teeth.
• Tongue: A muscular organ that aids in tasting, swallowing, and speech.
• Salivary Glands: Produce saliva, which begins the digestive process and lubricates food.

Functions

• Digestion: Mechanical breakdown of food through chewing and mixing with saliva, which contains enzymes that start carbohydrate digestion.
• Taste: Taste buds on the tongue detect different flavors, contributing to the sense of taste.
• Speech: The mouth shapes sounds and assists in verbal communication.

The mouth plays a vital role in both the digestive and respiratory systems, serving as a pathway for air as well.