saliva

yesterday i learned that in addition to supplying us with lots of needed enzymes (which is why you should chew your food carefully and not drink much liquid when you eat: digestion begins in the mouth!) saliva is also slightly antiseptic.

so when you see a child throw their pacifier on the ground and then you see the parent pick it up, stick it in their own mouth before giving it back to their child, however unappetizing it may seem...it's actually a good call. nature's double antiseptic!