The largest pair the parotid glands, which are next to the ears empty into the oral cavity next to the upper first molars via Stenson's ducts. The second largest pair, the submandibular glands, secrete saliva under the tongue through Wharton's ducts. The smallest of the major salivary glands are beneath the tongue and excrete saliva along the margins of the Wharton's ducts through the ducts of Ravini. Numerous other small salivary glands are within the lips, palate, cheeks, and oropharynx.
Saliva contains mucus, antibodies, and enzymes.
Many drugs also decrease a flow of saliva.