Hypersalivation, or excessive saliva flow, can be caused by temporary or permanent conditions such as oral inflammation, neurological disorders, or dental trauma. It can also be caused by poor drainage, physical abnormalities, toxin poisoning, or certain medications. Treatment involves addressing the underlying condition and maintaining proper dental hygiene.
Hypersalivation is an excessive flow of saliva. It is also known as drooling and ptyalism. The condition can be caused by both temporary and permanent conditions such as extreme oral inflammation, certain types of neurological disorders, or external trauma such as dental appliances that do not fit properly. It will show up as profuse saliva in the mouth or drool. In addition to excessive saliva production, a patient with the condition often also swallows frequently.
Patients with this condition who drool do so for a variety of reasons. Some cannot swallow properly and therefore have no other outlet for the excess saliva. Others are unable to close their mouths, either from physical or mental causes.
There are many diseases that can lead to hypersalivation. Some of the more common ones include liver disease, serotonin syndrome, and pancreatitis. Schizophrenia, mental retardation, and some types of neurological disorders can also cause the condition.
Problems in the mouth can also cause this ailment. These can include oral infections, mouth ulcers, and any other condition that causes excessive inflammation in the oral cavity. External trauma caused by improperly fitted dental hardware such as braces can also be a cause.
In some cases, hypersalivation is caused by poor drainage from the oral cavity, rather than excessive saliva production. Common causes of this problem include oral abscesses, radiation, and any other causes of infections in the area. Physical abnormalities such as a jaw fracture can also lead to the condition.
Some of the more benign temporary causes of drooling include pregnancy and teething. It can also be caused by problems such as malnutrition and alcoholism. An overload of starch intake can also cause the problem.
Hypersalivation can also be the body’s reaction to toxin poisoning. Common culprits include copper, organophosphates and arsenic. Mercury poisoning, known as mercurialism, can also be a cause.
The condition can also be caused by some medications. These include ketamine, clozapine and pilocarpine. Risperidone and potassium chlorate can also cause excessive saliva production.
In most cases, excessive salivation is managed by treating the underlying condition. While there is no common direct treatment, proper dental hygiene can help manage the condition. This is because activities such as using mouthwash and brushing your teeth can help dry your mouth. If it’s not caused by a permanent condition, it will in most cases subside once its cause is addressed.
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