Quick answer

Hypersalivation is the production of more saliva than normal due to overactive salivary glands, or the buildup of saliva in the mouth due to difficulty swallowing. Its causes fall into two groups: increased saliva production (tooth and gum problems, pregnancy, certain medications, reflux) and inability to swallow saliva (neurological diseases, infections, jaw disorders). It is a symptom, not a disease.

A healthy adult produces an average of 0.75 to 1.5 liters of saliva a day.
Symptoms: lip irritation, difficulty speaking, constant swallowing, a wet pillow.
Treatment is planned according to the underlying cause.
Options: oral hygiene, medication, Botox, swallowing therapy and surgery.

Hypersalivation is the secretion of more saliva than normal as a result of overactive salivary glands, or the buildup of saliva in the mouth due to difficulty swallowing. A healthy adult produces an average of 0.75 to 1.5 liters of saliva a day. When this amount increases noticeably or cannot be controlled, hypersalivation is diagnosed.

What Causes Saliva to Build Up in the Mouth?

The causes of excessive saliva buildup in the mouth fall into two main categories:

1. Increased Saliva Production (Primary Hypersalivation)

Situations in which the salivary glands are directly stimulated include:

Tooth and Mouth Problems: Teething (in babies), gum inflammation, mouth sores (canker sores), poorly fitting dentures or tooth decay.
Pregnancy: Due to hormonal changes, increased saliva may occur, especially together with morning sickness.
Certain Medications: Some medications used to treat schizophrenia or epilepsy may cause increased saliva as a side effect.
Reflux (GERD): Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus causes the body to produce more saliva to neutralize the acid.
Poisoning: Exposure to mercury or pesticides can overstimulate the salivary glands.

2. Inability to Swallow Saliva (Secondary Hypersalivation)

Saliva production is normal, but swallowing cannot take place due to muscle or nervous system problems:

Neurological Diseases: Impaired swallowing reflex due to Parkinson's, ALS, cerebral palsy or after a stroke.
Infections: Conditions that make swallowing painful, such as a sore throat, tonsillitis or epiglottitis.
Jaw Structure Disorders: Jaw joint problems or the mouth not closing fully cause saliva to flow out.

Symptoms of Hypersalivation

Hypersalivation may be accompanied not only by a feeling of fluid in the mouth but also by the following symptoms:

Cracked and irritated lips.
Difficulty speaking.
A constant need to swallow.
Bad breath.
A very wet pillow during sleep.

Treatment Options

Hypersalivation is not a disease but a symptom. For this reason, treatment is planned according to the underlying cause:

Oral Hygiene: If the problem comes from the teeth or gums, tartar removal and treating the infection solve the problem.
Medication: Anticholinergic medications that reduce saliva production can be used under a doctor's supervision.
Botox Injections: Botox injections into the salivary glands offer an effective solution by temporarily reducing their activity.
Speech and Swallowing Therapy: In neurological cases, the patient is taught techniques to control the swallowing reflex.
Surgery: In very advanced cases, it may be necessary to reroute the salivary gland ducts or remove part of the glands.