At BLASI Dental Clinic Barcelona, we understand that saliva plays a vital role in maintaining good oral health. A healthy adult typically produces between 1 and 2 litres of saliva per day, helping to keep the mouth hydrated, facilitate chewing and swallowing, and protect the teeth against decay and other oral diseases.
However, when saliva is produced in excessive amounts—or when it cannot be swallowed properly—it can lead to a condition known as sialorrhea, or hypersalivation, which may significantly affect a patient’s quality of life.
What Is Hypersalivation (Sialorrhea)?
There are two main types of hypersalivation:
1. Anterior Sialorrhea
This is the most visible form of excessive salivation, where saliva escapes from the mouth, resulting in persistent drooling.
2. Posterior Sialorrhea
In posterior sialorrhea, saliva accumulates in the throat (pharynx) rather than spilling from the mouth. Although less noticeable, it can cause swallowing difficulties, coughing and, in some cases, breathing problems.
Many patients visit our clinic concerned about excessive saliva production without fully understanding its underlying causes or the treatment options available.
Causes of Hypersalivation
Excessive salivation can develop for a variety of reasons, including:
Increased Saliva Production
Certain medications may stimulate the salivary glands, resulting in excessive saliva production.
Difficulty Swallowing Saliva
In many cases, the problem is not excessive saliva production but an inability to swallow saliva effectively.
This may be associated with conditions such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Facial paralysis
- Brain injury
- Neurodegenerative disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- The presence of orthodontic appliances or dental prostheses, which may temporarily interfere with normal swallowing
Symptoms of Hypersalivation
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Persistent drooling
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Dry or cracked lips
- Jaw muscle fatigue
- Skin irritation or dermatitis around the chin
- Altered sense of taste
- Coughing and nausea, particularly in cases of posterior sialorrhea
Treatment for Hypersalivation at BLASI Dental Clinic Barcelona
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.
1. Oral Physiotherapy and Muscle Training
Specialised exercises can improve muscle coordination and help patients regain better control over swallowing.
2. Medication Review
If hypersalivation is caused by medication, your physician may adjust the dosage or prescribe an alternative treatment when appropriate.
3. Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) Injections
Botulinum toxin injections into the salivary glands can effectively reduce saliva production and are widely used in selected cases of chronic hypersalivation.
4. Surgical Treatment
For severe cases that do not respond to conservative therapies, surgery may be recommended.
Surgical options include:
- Removal of selected salivary glands
- Ligation or repositioning of the salivary ducts
These procedures are generally reserved for carefully selected patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can Excess Saliva Be Reduced?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Options may include medication adjustments, oral physiotherapy, botulinum toxin injections or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
2. What Causes Excessive Saliva?
Hypersalivation may result from:
- Certain medications
- Neurological disorders
- Difficulty swallowing
- Orthodontic appliances or dentures
- Irritation or inflammation inside the mouth
A thorough clinical evaluation is essential to determine the exact cause.
3. How Do You Know If You Have Hypersalivation?
If you notice persistent excess saliva that interferes with speaking, swallowing or causes frequent drooling, you should consult a healthcare professional for assessment.
4. What Does It Mean If You Produce Too Much Saliva?
Persistent excessive saliva production may indicate hypersalivation and could be associated with an underlying dental, neurological or medical condition that requires evaluation.
5. What Medication Is Used to Treat Excessive Saliva?
Anticholinergic medications can reduce saliva production in some patients.
However, these medications should only be taken under medical supervision because they may produce side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision or constipation.
6. What Does Drooling During Sleep Mean?
Occasional drooling while sleeping is common and usually harmless.
However, frequent nighttime drooling—especially when accompanied by swallowing difficulties or other neurological symptoms—may indicate nocturnal sialorrhea and should be professionally assessed.
Personalised Care for Hypersalivation
At BLASI Dental Clinic Barcelona, we are committed to providing accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for patients experiencing hypersalivation.
Our multidisciplinary team carefully evaluates each case to identify the underlying cause and develop a personalised treatment plan that improves both oral health and quality of life.
If you are experiencing persistent drooling or any of the symptoms described above, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a consultation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference.