What is the purpose of saliva?

Answer 1

To start the digestion process, and "wash down" solid foods. If you put something in your mouth and can taste it, that means saliva is already starting to break it down.and most of taste comes from smell so your nose plays a part in this.
for washing down your food
Saliva moistens food to make it easier to chew, and the enzyme amylase begins to break down starchy foods to make them easier to digest.

Saliva also protects teeth against some bacteria. People with dry mouth from medications or mouth-breathing have a higher incidence of cavities and bad breath (which is caused from bacteria growth).

As well, saliva keeps the mouth and throat constantly moist, helping us to breath comfortably. Many people with dry mouth report awakening frequently because they are unable to breath well at night.
It is poo
well what the saliva does is it breaks down the food we eat and takes it to another part of your body that's why saliva is the most important thing in your body with out the saliva you wouldn't be able to taste the food your parent make of anybody makes or really good food. :)
aids in the uprising in sexual desires

example-

"i want to lick you from your head to your toes" if you didn't have saliva no one would want you to lick (or get them "wet") with anything
Saliva is a liquid produced by the salivary glands and aids in the digestion and breakdown of food. Saliva along with teeth are the first step in breaking down food in the digestive system.
1st) moisten your food so your tongue's taste buds can taste the flavour. pretty much like litmus paper where you need to soak for it to work

2nd) contains an enzyme (amylase if i am not mistaken) which helps breakdown food particles into a slightly more simpler molecules.
Saliva is used to soften the food you are eating and became easy to digest.
Saliva moistens the oral cavity and lubricates the bolus (food) to be swollowed. Saliva also contains amylase, an important digestive enzyme that breaks the covalent bonds between glucose molecules in starch.

Answer 2

Saliva helps with digestion by breaking down food particles and lubricating the mouth for easier swallowing. It also contains enzymes that start the process of breaking down carbohydrates. Lastly, saliva helps maintain oral health by washing away food debris and neutralizing acids that can cause tooth decay.