Paige Brooks, age 11, of Atlanta, Ga., for her question:

WHERE DOES SALIVA COME FROM?

Saliva is that sticky fluid that is produced in your mouth. It is important to the digestion of food.

Saliva is produced by three pairs of glands in the mouth and cheeks known as salivary glands. One pair of glands, the parotid, can be found in front of the ears while another pair, called the submandibular, is found under the lower jaw. The third pair, known as the sublingual, is located under the tongue. There are several other small glands in the mucous membrane of the mouth that aid in producing saliva.

Saliva moistens and softens all food that is taken into the mouth. It helps in the chewing and swallowing of food and also keeps the mouth moist and comfortable when you're not eating.