Increased Salivation After Tooth Brushing: Common and Concerning?

Have you noticed your salivation increasing after brushing your teeth? While it's perfectly normal to experience a slight increase in saliva during and after brushing, persistent salivation can be concerning. Understanding the causes and seeking appropriate solutions is crucial for your oral and overall health.

Normal Salivation Rhythm

The human body produces approximately 2 to 4 pints of saliva daily. Saliva production peaks in the late afternoon and is minimal at night. This indicates that any deviations from this norm might signal a potential issue.

Causes of Hyper-salivation

Hyper-salivation, or an excessive production of saliva, can occur due to various reasons, some of which are temporary and others that might warrant medical attention. Here are the common causes:

Symptoms and Causes

Cavities: Bacterial infection in the teeth can stimulate saliva production as the body tries to flush out the infection.

Infection: Oral or systemic infections can cause your body to produce more saliva to help clear the infection.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD): This condition can cause an increase in saliva production, which helps to neutralize stomach acid.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to increased saliva production.

Medications: Certain tranquilizers and anticonvulsant drugs can increase saliva production as a side effect.

Toxic Exposure: Exposure to toxins such as mercury can also cause hyper-salivation.

When to Seek Medical Help

If your salivation becomes excessive and interferes with your daily life, it's essential to seek medical help. Hyper-salivation can lead to drooling, which can be both uncomfortable and socially awkward. Here are signs that you should see a doctor:

Unable to Swallow: If your salivation is so excessive that you cannot swallow it, seek medical help immediately. Drooling Continuously: If drool is continually running down your face or you wake up with a damp pillow, this could indicate a serious issue. Obstruction: If there seems to be an obstruction in the salivary glands or ducts, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.

Home Remedies and Professional Help

If you're experiencing persistent hyper-salivation, consider these home remedies:

Use Fresh Ginger: Try placing a slice of fresh ginger in your mouth and swallowing, without spitting. This can help. Chewing Gum: Sugar-free chewing gum stimulates saliva production and can help manage excess saliva. Consult Your Dentist: If the excess salivation is caused by infected gums, a dental cleaning or more may be necessary.

It's crucial to rule out underlying conditions such as periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss if ignored.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while hyper-salivation can be normal in certain circumstances, it's important to understand the underlying causes and seek appropriate solutions. If persistent and unwanted, consult a medical professional for a thorough evaluation and treatment.

Key Takeaways:

Normal salivation peaks in the late afternoon and is minimal at night. Causes of hyper-salivation include cavities, infection, GERD, pregnancy, medications, and toxic exposure. Excessive salivation can lead to drooling and should be addressed by a medical professional.