If saliva secretion in the mouth decreases, what combined effect will occur on digestion and swallowing?

Correct answer: Initial starch digestion and swallowing will both become difficult

Saliva has two relevant functions in the mouth. Its water and mucus moisten, soften, and lubricate food, helping it form a bolus that can be swallowed. Saliva also contains salivary amylase, which begins the digestion of starch into simpler sugars. A reduction in secretion therefore makes swallowing harder and reduces initial starch digestion. Thus option A is correct; the other options misidentify saliva's role or describe impossible effects.