What specific function does amylase carry out in saliva?

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Together with the mucus secreted by the membrane of the mouth and the secretions of other small glands in the mouth, saliva helps to keep the mouth moist, softens the food as it is chewed, and by means of salivary amylase —the digestive enzyme contained in saliva—converts starch to sugar, thus initiating the process of digestion (see digestive system ).