What Is Excessive Salivation In The Mouth?

Posted on Wed, 28 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Dec 2016 Answered on

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi doctors. Since 2 yrs i am having this strange condition that while i am asleep excessive saliva forms into my mouth and my mouth gets full of saliva. I tend to wake up during night and spit it off frequently (at least twice a night). It becomes worse when i am deep sleep and without realizing sometimes i sallow it and that gives me a choking experience. This excessive saliva smells and tastes bad.

Initially it started when i sleep during night, however, now even if i take one hour nap during day time i find excessive saliva in my mouth.

Additional info - i am 28 yrs old non-alcoholic, non-smoker, and no gutkha consumer.

My ask is why does this happen and do i need medical examination or medication for my condition?
Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult a neurologist....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

What you described is a non specific symptoms and I will not be able to isolate the cause on this forum. You should visit a doctor, a neurologist who can examine and evaluate for possible neuroweakness.

Besides neurological condition, open mouth sleeping, sinus issues as well as tonsil inflammation can cause excessive salivation. I hope you are not on regular medicines especially depressants.

Precise treatment will be based on the cause of this problem. I will urge you visit a doctor and discuss about it. If no specific cause is found, some sleep changes should help you.

Hope this answers your questions.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (9 hours later)

Thanks doctor for your response.

Neither i sleep with an open mouth nor I have sinus or tonsils issue. I am not on medication and physically fit.

You mentioned that i should visit a neurologist however, i doubt whether consulting an ENT specialist or a dentistwould help? Also can you suggest me sleep changes which i can start following. Thanks again!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would prefer neurologist...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

As I mentioned in my previous reply, the cause are varied related to neurology as well ear / nose / throat. But I would suggest neurologist visit first to look for weakness. ENT visit can follow next.

In the meantime, sleeping prone and steam inhalation / hot shower before bet might help you.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar