Why Does Food Make Your Mouth Water?

This week Reactions takes a look at the science behind why food makes your mouth water. There's a lot of chemistry in that saliva of yours. This week, 2015 ACS Chemistry Champions contest winner Hadi Fares explains the chemical mechanisms behind dinnertime drooling.

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Music:
Daft is Digital Audio Funk Therapy by HyppocampeSound

Video Producer:
Sean Parsons

Writer:
Hadi Fares

Script editor/Narrator:
Noel Waghorn

Executive Producer:
Adam Dylewski

Scientific consultants:
Sophia Cai
Darcy Gentleman, Ph.D.
Michael O'Mahony, Ph.D.
Matt Hartings, Ph.D.

References:
Spence, Charles (2011). Mouth-watering: The influence of environmental and cognitive factors on salivation and gustatory/flavor perception. University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Carpenter, G.H. and Ilangakoon, Y. (2011). Is the mouthwatering sensation a true salivary reflex?
Salivary Research Unit, Kings College London Dental Institute, London SE1 9RT, U.K.

Whelton, H. The anatomy and physiology of salivary glands.

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others' butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it's OK to pee in the pool? We've got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Reactions is produced by the American Chemical Society.

Next episode

S03E15 - The Truth About Peanut Allergies