Hypersalivation
Excess saliva in our mouth.
Hypersalivation occurs when there is an excess of saliva in our mouth. This excess can cause saliva to spill over the lower lip, generating well-known drooling. We can differentiate various degrees of this pathology depending on whether it is intermittent or not and on its duration over time.
It is not a disease, but the danger lies in the possibility that it is one of the symptoms of rare or very harmful conditions, such as Parkinson's.
The danger of hypersalivation is that it is a symptom of Parkinson's.
Saliva is not harmful; saliva is a clear liquid produced by the salivary glands that help us swallow what we eat. It also contains enzymes that contribute to proper digestion. Saliva helps us heal wounds, eliminate germs in the mouth, and act as a barrier to toxins. A healthy person produces an average of 0.75-1.5 liters daily. The amount increases while eating and decreases when sleeping.
Causes of hypersalivation?
- Nausea during pregnancy
- Throat infections
- False teeth
- Ulcers, inflammation, or pain in the mouth
- Poor oral hygiene
- Serious infections, such as rabies or tuberculosis
- Severe or sudden pain
- Return of saliva and food remains during heartburn
- Jaw fractures or dislocation
Symptoms of hypersalivation?
- Drooling and excessive spitting and swallowing
- Chapped lips and skin infection around the mouth
- Bad Breath
- Dehydration
- Speech impairment
- Possible Pneumonia
- Bad taste
- Hypersalivation and drooling can also cause psychological complications and social anxiety.
Is there a treatment?
Medication: we can use anticholinergic drugs to reduce the amount of saliva, but we should also mention possible side effects, such as restlessness, drowsiness, urinary retention, and constipation, irritability.
Treatment: is based on finding the origin of the problem in speech modification and therapy, as well as receiving different courses that help develop techniques to close the lips, swallow or control the tongue better.
