Normal production of saliva is important to maintain good oral health. Saliva helps protect teeth from decay, fights off bacteria that cause bad breath, and helps break down foods so we can digest them easily. But sometimes, you may feel that your mouth is suddenly producing too much saliva, and it isn’t healthy. Keep reading to learn about the 3 common causes of hypersalivation, accompanying symptoms, and treatment options.
Should you worry?
Hypersalivation is a condition where your salivary glands start producing too much saliva. If excess saliva builds up, you may start drooling, and it can be embarrassing. For adults and teenagers, drooling can be a symptom of lingering health conditions.
Excessive salivation can be temporary or persistent and depends on the cause. For instance, if the cause of your condition is an infection. Your mouth may suddenly start producing too much saliva to get rid of the bacteria. The condition usually gets better once the infection goes away.
What Causes Excessive Saliva Production?
There’s not a single cause of hypersalivation. Let’s take a look at three potential causes:
Oral Infection
If you have an oral infection, your body tries to get rid of it by producing excessive saliva. This is why it’s important, and we recommend our patients to regularly visit their dentist—looking for a dentist in Houston? Schedule an appointment with A+ STAR SMILE DENTAL
Medication
All medications have associated side effects, and some may cause your body to produce saliva abnormally. If you think this is the cause of your problem, talk to your physician. Also, don’t stop taking any medication unless you consult your doctor.
Poisoning
Poisoning is the rarest cause of hypersalivation. Your mouth may produce too much saliva after a bite from reptile venom, mercury or copper poisoning, or eating a poisonous mushroom.
Symptoms
Drooling or spitting are the commonest signs of hypersalivation. Accompanying symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Chapped lips
- Dehydration
- Alterations in speech
Though mouth watering can be embarrassing and irritating, there are chances it’s not caused by anything too serious. But you shouldn’t ignore the condition at any cost. It’s best to see your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment for your condition.
The team at A+ STAR SMILE DENTAL is always eager to help you achieve a healthy mouth. Contact our office today for a consultation.
Treatments
Home remedies:
If your mouth is suddenly producing too much saliva, drink plenty of water to manage the condition. Keep your mouth clean. Brush regularly twice a day and rinse with mouthwash to temporarily dry out the mouth.
Therapy:
This consists of speech therapy and behavioral changes. People with this condition may find the following beneficial: head control and posture modification. It can also include better techniques for swallowing, lip closure, and tongue control.
Medication:
Medications for hypersalivation aim to minimize its production. Your doctor may prescribe anticholinergic medication, but it has several side effects, including restlessness, dizziness, constipation, and more. Other options are Botox and beta-blocker.