If you’re worried about why your mouth is suddenly producing too much saliva, this article will answer several of your questions. The condition you’re dealing with right now is known as hypersalivation, in which the saliva-producing glands give out excessive saliva.
The condition can be persistent or temporary, depending on the cause. Read on to learn about the common causes of excessive mouth watering, and treatment options.
Causes of excessive salivation
Temporary hypersalivation is caused by:
● infection
● cavities
● pregnancy
● anticonvulsant drugs
● gastroesophageal reflux
● exposure to toxins
If this is the case, your condition will get between once the underlying cause is treated. For pregnant women, symptoms usually go away after childbirth.
Persistent hypersalivation, known as sialorrhea, is caused by illnesses that impact muscle control. Weakened muscle control can impact swallowing, which causes saliva accumulation.
This can happen due to certain reasons such as:
● malocclusion
● macroglossia
● cerebral palsy
● Parkinson’s disease
● intellectual disability
● Stroke
For long-term causes, managing symptoms is your best bet. Leaving the condition untreated can compromise your speaking ability, and you may choke when swallowing food or drinking.
Treatment options
The treatment that will best suit your condition will depend on what is causing your mouth to produce too much saliva. While home remedies can be effective for temporary causes, persistent hypersalivation will require different treatment methods.
Home remedies
If your doctor diagnoses that the cause of your drooling symptoms is a cavity or oral infection, they may recommend consulting a dentist. Your dental provider will guide you on how to improve and maintain your oral health.
Brushing your teeth regularly helps minimize gum swelling and irritation to the mouth that can cause drooling. Bruising also produces a drying effect that, in return, helps control excessive salivation. For additional benefits, rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash.
Medication
The use of certain medicines can also help minimize the production of saliva.
Glycopyrrolate solution blocks the signals sent to salivary glands, which causes them to secrete less saliva.
Another option is Scopolamine. This is a skin patch that’s placed behind the ear. It works by blocking electrical signals to the salivary glands.
Botox Injections
For chronic hypersalivation, your primary care physician may recommend Botox injections. The drug is administered to one or more of the main salivary glands. The nerves and muscles become numb and stop producing saliva.
Surgery
If your mouth is suddenly producing too much saliva and the condition is severe, surgery may be performed on major salivary glands. The surgery involves the removal or relocation of glands so saliva is secreted at the mouth’s back, where it can readily be swallowed.
Radiation therapy
For patients who aren’t good candidates for surgery, doctors may recommend radiation therapy. Radiation results in a dry mouth that controls drooling.
Summing Up
Your doctor can best guide you on managing your symptoms of excessive salivation. The issue may go away with treatment, depending on the cause. Schedule an appointment with your primary physician at Aqeeq Internal Medicine by calling 832-786-8195. Our doctors and staff are always eager to help you.