Have you ever thought that you produce a lot more spit than other people do? Perhaps you have a tendency to drool a lot at night. Or when you speak, your words might be slightly garbled because there's so much saliva in your mouth. If so, then you may be suffering from hypersalivation.
What is Hypersalivation?
Everyone has salivary glands. They produce spit that helps the body break down food in the mouth. It also can keep your mouth safe from harmful bacteria. Whenever you eat food, saliva brushes off the bad bacteria from your teeth, tongue, and cheeks. Hypersalivation, on the other hand, is when your salivary glands produce too much saliva. If it accumulates in your mouth, then you may start to drool accidentally. There are a few reasons why hypersalivation might occur. It could be chronic, or it could be due to another cause. One example might be if you're suffering from an infection in your mouth. In an effort to remove the bacteria from your mouth, more saliva is produced. Once the infection is over, your salivary gland production returns to normal. It's also possible that you can suffer from hypersalivation all of the time; a condition called sialorrhea, this can sometimes be due to a lack of muscle control.
Causes of Hypersalivation
There are a few causes of hypersalivation, whether it be temporary or permanent. Some of the temporary causes can be due to cavities, infections, pregnancy, gastroesophageal reflux, certain tranquilizers, anticonvulsant drugs, and exposure to toxins. In many cases, once you're treated for any of these causes, hypersalivation typically goes away. Cavities and infections, for example, cause an influx of bad bacteria to enter the mouth. It's important to visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa to take care of any cavities. This will not only protect your teeth further, but it will also stop your hypersalivation symptoms.
For those who experience heartburn or acid reflux, taking medication or staying away from foods that trigger the reaction can help stave off hypersalivation. Those who are pregnant may be concerned that the symptoms will continue after birth. This isn't typically the case. Most women will return to normal after they give birth. However, if you suffer from hypersalivation constantly, then it could be due to an underlying medical problem that affects your muscle control. Malocclusion is a possible reason behind your constant hypersalivation; this is a condition in which your teeth are crowded together, or you have a crossbite. Hypersalivation may also be due to an enlarged tongue, cerebral palsy, an intellectual disability, a stroke, Parkinson's disease, or facial nerve palsy.
Symptoms of Hypersalivation
One of the most prominent symptoms associated with hypersalivation is drooling. It can occur at night. However, it's most obvious when it occurs during the day. You may drool for no seeming reason. Another symptom is difficulty in chewing or swallowing food. It's easy to choke because your mouth is full of saliva.
Treatment Options for Hypersalivation
Luckily, hypersalivation can be treated. It's important that you visit us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might risk choking on your saliva. Sometimes treatment may be as simple as receiving teeth or filling a cavity. There are a few medications that can also help reduce the amount of saliva that is produced. Cuvposa, for example, is a popular prescription made out to those suffering from hypersalivation. It blocks nerve impulses to the salivary glands. In response, the glands are not able to produce as much saliva. The medication does come with side effects, so it's always a good idea to try alternative methods first. Another form of treatment is to receive a Botox injection. The toxin will be injected into one or both of your glands. This paralyzes the glands for a time and stops the production of saliva; the results can last for a few months. Surgery is also an option, though only in dire cases.
Seek Treatment
If you are suffering from hypersalivation symptoms, then it is time to visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa. We can provide you with information and treatments designed to stop the production of saliva and maintain your oral health. Contact us today to book an appointment.
