Excessive saliva production, known in the medical terms as sialhorrhea, is caused by increased production of saliva in the mouth or by the reduction in the capability of swallowing or retaining of the saliva. The condition can be a symptom of some underlying medical condition or could be a side effect of certain medications. Excessive saliva production or sialhorrhea is a common complaint in elderly with neurological disorders as also with children especially after eating.
The most prevalent causes of excessive saliva production in mouth are as given below:
Some uncommon causes of sialhorrhea include:
Causes associated with the decrease in ability to swallow or retain the saliva in the mouth are
Siallhorrhea, oftentimes, can be symptomatic of some serious medical conditions. These are as follows:
The other conditions responsible for saliva production include:
Pregnancy and saliva production: Pregnancy can cause excess saliva production due to hormone fluctuations. Also, an empty stomach usually triggers excess saliva production during pregnancy. This can be reduced by consuming small meals at regular intervals. Sipping water and chewing sugar free gums may help in swallowing the saliva.
Saliva Producing Foods in Children: Excessive saliva production or drooling is considered normal in infants below 2 years of age. However, the condition may sometimes be a symptom of a more serious medical condition for children above four years of age. Some foods that produce excessive saliva in children and should be avoided are as follows:
Excessive saliva production may be a temporary ailment. However, the persistence of the symptoms may be an indicator of an underlying neurological disease, especially in the elderly. Consult the doctor or a medical specialist at the earliest.
The causes listed above are co-related with the symptoms of sialorrhea. It is imperative to discuss the symptoms with a physician or a certified medical specialist for the proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of the condition.
The treatment options may include:
A suction machine may also be a part of the treatment method for some. The battery operated portable machines use the small hose put into the mouth to drain out the saliva. Saliva plays an important part in counterbalancing the rough stomach acids, protecting the teeth from bacterial infection, lubricating the mouth, and aiding in the digestion of food.
Diet modification is essential in balancing the saliva production. Foods that help relieve excessive saliva production include the following.
Dry foods such as
Salty foods (consumed in moderation)
Oral hygiene
Furthermore, chewing sugar free gum, brushing your teeth and using a mouthwash rinse can assist in the relief from excessive saliva production.