Increased salivation, why?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Ngoc - General Internal Medicine - Endocrinology - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. Doctor has more than 10 years of studying, researching and working in the field of endocrinology.
Saliva secreted from the salivary glands plays an important role in the digestion of food in humans. The case of too little saliva or too much saliva is also a problem worth paying attention to, because maybe the body is experiencing something abnormal.

1. What is increased salivation?

According to research, every day, about 800-1,500ml of saliva is secreted. With the main ingredients are mucus and digestive enzymes, mineral salts, proteins, antiseptics, urea, white blood cells... saliva plays a very important role in digesting food by absorbing food. makes it easy to swallow, moistens the mouth, breaks down powders by amylase enzymes, disinfects the mouth with lysozymes and antibodies....
Saliva is a fluid in the oral cavity, responsible for supporting the process Digestion in the body goes smoothly, when there is too much saliva, it can be a warning sign of the following diseases:
1.1 Gastroesophageal reflux disease When suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, for the mucosa to be irritated and as a result, the patient will have increased salivation, belching, and heartburn. Saliva secreted at this time will have a sour taste. Patients need to see a doctor to make sure their health status and make appropriate lifestyle changes.

1.2 Pancreatitis Pancreatitis can cause pancreatic dysfunction and increase saliva production, so think of pancreatitis immediately if there are signs of increased salivary glands for a long time.
1.3. Liver disease Medically, the amount of saliva secreted in the oral cavity is controlled by the nervous system, so when you have liver disease, the nervous system will also be affected and cause a lot of saliva to be secreted in the cavity. patient's mouth.
1.4 Dental disease If you have some oral diseases such as canker sores, tonsillitis ... it can also increase saliva production in the oral cavity. Visit your dentist to know your own health situation so that you can get the right treatment.

2. What is the cause of increased salivation?

In terms of structure, the parotid salivary gland located at the angle of the jawbone on both sides is the largest gland, in case the patient has abnormal salivary gland disease, the cause may be due to:
Habit of using hot food or sweet: In fact, hot or spicy foods can stimulate the body to increase saliva more. Due to blocked parotid salivary gland: This is one of the most common causes of increased salivation, the salivary duct is responsible for bringing saliva from the parotid gland to the mouth, but sometimes the Stones can block ducts and prevent saliva from flowing and increase salivation. Due to inflammation of the salivary glands: The cause of increased salivation can also be due to inflammation of the salivary glands, if one of the three main salivary glands, namely the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, is inflamed, it can lead to inflammation. salivary gland inflammation. Teething or poor oral hygiene: In children, excessive salivation can also be caused by teething. Parents do not need to be too worried, but check the child's oral condition to know the situation and have the right treatment. Due to Pellagra: A disease caused by a deficiency of niacin and the telltale sign of excessive salivation. Due to rabies: If the cause of increased salivation is rabies, it is necessary to take the patient to a medical facility for timely treatment.

3. How to treat increased saliva effectively

To reduce salivation, patients should review their own diet, reduce hot spicy foods, high in sugar, too salty... give up the habit of chewing gum...

In addition, regularly drinking water and taking small sips is also an effective way to treat increased salivation. Build healthy living habits, avoid staying up late and let your body under too much pressure, take time to relax after a tiring working day, clean your teeth and gums. Periodic health check to diagnose disease and timely treatment is also an effective way to prevent increased salivation. If increased salivation occurs for a long time, the patient should see a doctor to be examined and given specific advice for each case. Absolutely do not arbitrarily use medication because it can cause many unwanted side effects and increase the disease condition. Currently, some drugs that reduce salivation with atropine can temporarily stop saliva production, but this drug is only used in special cases when having surgery on the oral cavity and only works for a short time. In short, the use of medication must be prescribed by a specialist.

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