Heavy saliva can be caused by various factors such as medication, dental problems, Bell’s palsy, rabies, and common ailments like cold or sinusitis. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can also cause excessive saliva, which usually resolves after delivery.
A child who drools frequently will experience heavy saliva, as the secretions work to soothe sore gums. Although considered rare, an abnormal increase in saliva in adults can be caused by a salivary gland disorder. However, heavier than normal saliva is not always indicative of disease. Some prescription drugs can also cause saliva to be unusually thick and sticky. While heavy saliva in humans can indicate poor health, in animals it can be common among some species.
Many people who take prescription drugs often experience dry mouth. Extremely dry mouth can produce sticky or noticeably heavy saliva. When heavy salivation is caused by a medication, a doctor may switch your prescription to a medication that is less likely to cause a problem.
Periodontal disease or other dental problems can be the cause of the abnormal saliva. Poor dental hygiene can cause sore inflamed gums and heavy saliva. This condition can be treated by a dental hygienist or oral surgeon. In some cases, a professional dental cleaning can reduce sticky and excessive saliva.
Bell’s palsy is a medical condition that can cause partial or total paralysis of the face, as well as increased saliva. When the cranial nerve is affected by this disease, one side of the face may become paralyzed or numb. Excessive drooling is one of the symptoms of this nervous disorder. Some medical experts believe that Lyme disease may be a primary cause of Bell’s palsy, although there is no conclusive evidence to confirm this.
A very serious and often life-threatening illness known as rabies can produce excessive, frothy saliva, along with other serious symptoms. This virus is typically transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals. The disease can be fatal, as it attacks the central nervous system and brain of infected people.
Abnormal saliva can also occur from common ailments. Heavy saliva can be caused by the common cold or sinusitis. Although oral decongestants can help reduce sinus pressure and relieve nasal congestion, these medications can produce saliva that is excessively sticky and thick. For heavy or sticky saliva from a cold, increasing your fluid intake may help.
Hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy can also cause excessive or thick saliva. While annoying, this is not considered serious, nor does it typically require treatment. In most cases, symptoms are relieved after the third trimester of pregnancy or after delivery.
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