Why Is My Mouth Producing So Much Saliva Suddenly?

It is normal to have excessive saliva in one’s mouth when seeing or eating their favourite dishes. But what if someone suffers constantly from over-salivation? Is that normal too? No, it’s not! If you or a loved one is suffering from excessive salivation, they should get it checked immediately. This blog will discuss various reasons for excessive saliva formation and their treatment. So, if you’re searching for “Why is my mouth producing so much saliva suddenly?” this blog is for you. Read on till the end to find answers to all your questions. 

Why Am I Over-Salivating?

Excessive salivation, also known as hypersalivation, can occur due to various reasons. In addition to causing significant discomfort and embarrassment, it could also indicate a more serious underlying issue. 

According to Healthline, Hypersalivation can be of two types: transient and long-term.

Some of the causes of transient or temporary over-salivation are:

• Dental Infections 
• Tooth cavities
• Indigestion or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Certain medications 

This type of excessive salivation typically goes away as soon as the underlying cause is eliminated. On the other hand, long-term hypersalivation occurs due to chronic conditions. Some of these are:

• An enlarged tongue 
• Intellectual disabilities 
• Parkinson’s disease
• Facial nerve palsy 
• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke 

How To Slow Down Excessive Salivation–During Acid Reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the common causes of excessive salivation. The best way to reduce the hypersalivation in this condition is to treat the underlying gastric issues. Once the gastrointestinal issues have been addressed, you can expect normalisation of salivary production and flow in your mouth. 

What Can Cause Me To Drool When I’m Awake?

Excessive drooling, during sleep or while awake, is cause for concern. According to Penn Medicine, excessive drooling can occur due to three main reasons: 

• Excessive Salivary Production – when there is too much production or flow of saliva
• Problems With Facial Muscles – inability to keep the mouth closed or contain the saliva in the mouth can lead to excessive saliva or drooling. 
• Swallowing Problems – problems with swallowing can also cause drooling. 

Can Excess Saliva Cause Tooth Decay?

While excessive salivation is not a healthy condition and can cause various complications, it does not cause tooth decay. This is because one of the primary functions of saliva is to keep the teeth bathed and clean. So, excessive salivation will be more helpful in preventing plaque and tartar deposition, thereby minimising the risk of dental cavities. 

Can Anxiety Cause Excess Salivation?

We typically observe that our mouths become dry during stressful situations. This is due to the activation of the body’s “fight or flight” resulting in the suppression of salivary gland activity. Therefore, short-term anxiety can cause reduced salivation. However, chronic anxiety can lead to excessive salivary production, due to a “hyperstimulated” state of the body. 

Is Excessive Drooling Common In The Elderly?

Drooling is a common condition observed in young children. While it can also occur occasionally in the elderly, it becomes a problem when it starts to happen frequently. Typical causes of drooling in the elderly include facial muscle weakness and medications that can cause excessive saliva production. 

What Will Happen If Our Body Stops Producing Saliva?

Saliva performs various important functions in our body. For example, saliva plays an important role in the digestion of food by initiating the breakdown of starches. It also lubricates the food, thereby aiding in assimilation. It also helps neutralise gastric acids and aids in taste perception. More importantly, it possesses antibacterial properties and helps prevent diseases in the mouth. So, our bodies will become vulnerable to a variety of problems if they stop producing saliva. 

Is There A Link Between Parkinson’s Disease And Hypersalivation?

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, excessive drooling is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Although the quantity of saliva produced is normal in people suffering from Parkinson’s, drooling occurs due to an affected ability to swallow. As a result, such patients are unable to control the flow of saliva around the mouth, leading to drooling. So, Parkinson’s disease can cause excessive drooling but doesn’t typically increase salivary production. 

Why Do I Drool Each Time I’m Sick?

We often observe increased drooling when we are sick. This happens due to the increased salivary production caused by an underlying infection, allergy or inflammation. The excessive saliva provides a preventive action by flushing out the toxins from the oral cavity. Excessive salivation or drooling can also be due to any medication you’re taking while sick. 

What Is The Treatment For Excessive Salivation?

The treatment of excessive salivation depends on the underlying cause. While temporary hypersalivation will go away as soon as the underlying issue is resolved, chronic or long-term hypersalivation may require medical intervention. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from frequent hypersalivation, they should consult their doctor immediately. Your doctor will perform a detailed physical examination and may order laboratory tests to diagnose the underlying issue. Afterwards, they will prepare a customised treatment plan for you based on the diagnosis. 

Did you know that hypersalivation can also occur due to dental problems such as tooth cavities or oral infections? If you’re looking for the best dental practice in Surrey for the treatment of excessive saliva, you should consider Horsley Dental. We have a team of highly qualified dentists in town with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that you receive the best treatment in town. So, book a free consultation today and let us take care of your family’s oral hygiene and smile.