Saliva, often referred to as spit, is a fluid produced in the mouth by salivary glands. It consists mostly of water, but also contains electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes. This fluid performs several roles within the oral cavity.
It plays a part in the initial stages of digestion, with enzymes like amylase beginning the breakdown of carbohydrates. Saliva also lubricates food, making it easier to chew and swallow, and keeps the mouth’s tissues moist to aid in speech. It helps maintain oral hygiene by washing away food debris and bacteria, buffering the mouth’s pH, and protecting tooth enamel.
Normal Increases in Saliva Production
A temporary increase in saliva production is a common physiological response to various everyday stimuli. For instance, the anticipation of food, triggered by its sight or smell, can cause the mouth to “water” as the body prepares for digestion. This reflex ensures sufficient saliva is available to moisten and break down food.
Chewing gum stimulates salivary glands, leading to increased saliva flow, which helps cleanse the mouth and neutralize acids. Strong or sour tastes, such as those from citrus fruits, also prompt a surge in saliva production. These increases are typically short-lived and resolve once the stimulus is removed.
Nausea, a feeling of sickness in the stomach, frequently causes an increase in saliva. This heightened production is thought to be a protective mechanism, helping to coat the esophagus and neutralize stomach acids that might come up during vomiting. Emotional responses, like anxiety, can also lead to a temporary increase in salivary flow.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Persistent or excessive saliva production, known as hypersalivation or sialorrhea, can be a symptom of various medical conditions. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common cause, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. The body produces more saliva to help neutralize this acid and protect the esophageal lining.
Certain medications can increase saliva production. Antipsychotic drugs, tranquilizers, anticonvulsants, and cholinergic agonists are frequently associated with this side effect. These medications can directly stimulate saliva glands or affect the nervous system’s control over swallowing, leading to saliva accumulation.
Oral health issues like infections, cavities, or gum disease can trigger increased saliva as the mouth attempts to wash away bacteria and promote healing. New dental appliances, such as dentures or braces, may also irritate the mouth and stimulate higher saliva flow. Misaligned teeth can contribute by making it harder to properly close the mouth and swallow.
Neurological conditions can significantly impact saliva management, often due to difficulty swallowing or controlling oral muscles. Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis can impair the coordination needed to clear saliva effectively. This can lead to saliva pooling in the mouth and drooling.
Pregnancy is another common physiological state where women may experience increased saliva. Hormonal changes, along with increased nausea and acid reflux, contribute to this symptom. Pregnancy-related hypersalivation is generally harmless and resolves after delivery.
Exposure to certain toxins or poisons can cause a sudden increase in saliva. This includes heavy metals like mercury and thallium, and some organophosphate insecticides. Bites from venomous snakes or spiders can similarly induce hypersalivation as part of a broader systemic reaction.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While temporary increases in saliva are often harmless, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable in certain circumstances. If excessive salivation becomes persistent, bothersome, or interferes with daily activities like speaking or eating, medical evaluation is warranted. This includes instances where drooling becomes frequent or uncontrollable, especially in adults.
Seeking medical advice is important if excess saliva is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These might include difficulty swallowing, changes in speech, unexplained weight loss, fever, or pain. Such additional symptoms could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate management strategies.
Strategies for Managing Excess Saliva
Managing excess saliva often involves practical strategies aimed at alleviating discomfort, especially while awaiting diagnosis or treatment for an underlying cause. Consciously swallowing more frequently can help reduce saliva accumulation. Sipping small, frequent amounts of water throughout the day can also help thin the saliva, making it easier to swallow.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important, including regular brushing of teeth and tongue, as this helps manage bacteria and keep the mouth clean. Avoiding certain trigger foods, such as highly acidic or sugary items, may also reduce saliva production for some individuals. If acid reflux is suspected, dietary adjustments to minimize reflux symptoms can be beneficial.
Posture can influence saliva management; for example, maintaining an upright head position can help prevent drooling. If drooling occurs, gently dabbing the mouth with a tissue rather than wiping can prevent skin irritation around the lips and chin. These strategies help manage symptoms, but addressing the root cause of excessive saliva production often requires medical intervention.