Noticing small droplets of saliva escaping the mouth during conversation is a common human experience. This phenomenon, while sometimes a source of self-consciousness, is a normal physiological occurrence. It results from the complex interplay between saliva production and the mechanics of speech.
Saliva and Speech Basics
Saliva is a watery fluid produced by glands in the mouth, primarily consisting of water but also containing proteins, enzymes, and minerals. It moistens the mouth and throat, aids in chewing and swallowing, and begins starch digestion. Saliva also helps maintain oral hygiene by washing away food particles, protecting teeth from decay, and balancing mouth pH.
Speech production is a coordinated process involving airflow from the lungs, vocal fold vibration in the larynx, and articulation by structures in the mouth and nose. Air from the lungs travels through the vocal folds, which vibrate to create sound. This sound is then shaped into recognizable speech by movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and soft palate.
How Talking Causes Saliva Release
Saliva expulsion during speech is driven by forceful airflow from the lungs and dynamic movements of the oral articulators. As air is exhaled, it encounters the thin film of saliva coating the lips and other oral surfaces. High-speed imaging has shown that when the lips part, this liquid film stretches into filaments, which are thinned and stretched by the airflow until they break into minuscule droplets. Rapid movements of the tongue, lips, and jaw during articulation also agitate and displace saliva, contributing to its expulsion.
Certain sounds, particularly “plosive” consonants like ‘p’, ‘b’, ‘t’, and ‘d’, are more prone to expelling saliva. These sounds involve a complete blockage of airflow in the vocal tract, followed by a sudden release of air. For example, forming sounds like ‘p’ and ‘b’ requires lips to press together and quickly separate, creating a burst of air that can aerosolize saliva.
What Makes Saliva Expulsion Worse
Several factors can increase saliva expulsion during speech. Dehydration can lead to thicker, stickier saliva, which may be harder to swallow and more prone to being caught in the airflow. Speech habits also play a role; speaking quickly, loudly, or with exaggerated mouth movements can increase the force and frequency of expulsion. Certain foods or beverages might temporarily increase saliva production or alter its thickness, making expulsion more noticeable. While typically a normal occurrence, rarely, excessive salivation (sialorrhea) might indicate an underlying medical condition, but for most people, it is not a serious concern.
Tips to Minimize Saliva Release
Maintaining proper hydration helps manage saliva consistency, making it less likely to spray. Drinking water regularly keeps saliva at an optimal consistency, facilitating smoother speech. Pacing your speech also helps; speaking at a moderate speed reduces forceful bursts of air and rapid movements that contribute to saliva expulsion.
Consciously swallowing before and periodically during conversation can help manage excess saliva in the mouth. Practicing good oral hygiene contributes to overall oral health, supporting healthy saliva production and flow. Being aware of your speech patterns and how certain sounds might lead to expulsion can help you adjust your articulation.