Are you constantly drooling like a St. Bernard? Are people always mistaking you for a fountain? Well, fear not my friend! This article delves into the mystery that is excessive salivation and provides some helpful tips to curb your slobber.
What Is Saliva Anyway?
Before we dive into why you keep salivating like Pavlov's dog, let's talk about what saliva actually is. Saliva is a clear liquid produced by glands in the mouth which helps with digestion and lubrication of food as it travels down the esophagus. It also contains enzymes that start breaking down starches and fats as soon as they enter the mouth - pretty neat, huh?
Reasons For Excessive Salivation
Excessive salivation can be caused by various factors ranging from medical conditions to plain old psychological triggers.
Medications
Some medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease can cause excess production of saliva.
Dental Problems
Dental issues such as gum disease or ill-fitting dentures might trigger an overproduction of saliva.
Nerve damage
Damage to nerves involved in swallowing or salivary gland function may lead to excessive salivation.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that stimulate saliva flow leading to more than usual levels being present inside your esteemed oral cavity.
Pro Tip: If none of these explanations seem applicable it could simply be due hunger pangs so grab something quick (but avoid junk foods).
So How Can You Reduce Excessive Saliva Production?
Now that we know some reasons why we drool excessively; let’s look at ways on how this annoying habit can take its exit outta our lives:
- Chew Gum: Chewing stimulates moisture producing organs hence reducing dryness inside your mouth
- Breathe through your nose not your mouth (don’t be a barbarian): Breathing via your mouth promotes entry of foreign elements haphazardly which in turn stimulates salivary glands to start producing saliva.
- Eat Smaller Portions More Frequently: Large meals make the stomach overwork causing more acid reflux and hence increasing the rate of excessive salivation
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water keeps your body tissues moisturized including mucous membranes (like inside our mouths where saliva is produced!).
Pro Tip: A healthy diet, good oral hygiene & avoiding certain medications may also help reduce excessive production
In Conclusion
In summary, while it might seem curious ' Why Do I Keep Salivating?' there are plenty of reasons why this happens - whether it's due to medication, dental problems or pregnancy amongst other things. However with these tips on reducing excess production and maintaining a healthy lifestyle; we can all say goodbye to being constantly mistaken for Niagara Falls! Bye bye drool!