Does the uvula do anything other than help with gag reflex?

Yes. The uvula also:

* Helps to seal off the back of the throat during swallowing.

* Helps to prevent food and liquid from entering the nose during swallowing.

* Contributes to speech production by helping to create certain sounds, such as the "g" and "k" sounds.

* Contains taste buds that can detect certain flavors, such as bitterness.