Where does human saliva come from? The autonomic nerve system controls salivation, therefore it is involuntary, just like the heartbeat. The salivary glands in the mouth secrete saliva and are classified into major and small salivary glands. There are three pairs of large salivary glands: the sublingual glands, the parotid glands, and the submandibular glands. There are numerous small salivary glands located on the oral mucosa.
The salivary glands work constantly; in addition to keeping the oral environment moist, saliva disinfects, cleans the mouth, and aids in digesting. Healthy adults secrete approximately 1-1.5 liters of saliva every day, or about 30 milliliters per hour. Buy vitamins & supplements. Saliva secretion increases when we eat or when the nerves in our brain are activated.
Drooling during sleep can be caused by mouth breathing, stress, weariness, or an uneven sleeping position. In general, children drool while sleeping because their lips are still weak and their oral cavity lacks the ability to control drooling and swallow saliva. If people drool unexpectedly and regularly while sleeping, they should be aware of the following diseases:
1. Oral disease. Pharyngitis, mandibular inflammation, and gingivitis can all cause salivary gland production, which results in drooling. Crooked, loose teeth, and discomfort from wearing dentures can all induce drooling while sleeping. Drooling will improve if your teeth are straightened.
2. Facial Paralysis. Facial paralysis is the paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. Because of the unequal strength of the muscles on both sides, it is difficult to keep saliva on the paralyzed side, and drooling is common whether you are sleeping or not. If accompanied by symptoms such as crooked corners of the mouth, you should see a doctor very away.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux disorder. Abnormal gastric acid can stimulate the salivation reflex, and some patients with gastroesophageal reflux may have drooling in addition to other symptoms of the disease, such as acid reflux, heartburn, or chest pain.
4. Parkinson’s Disease. Due to poor swallowing ability in Parkinson’s disease, saliva is frequently not swallowed on time. Furthermore, injury to some nerves causes increased saliva output, which leads to drooling.
5. Cerebral thrombosis. If there is a blockage in the cerebral blood arteries, some of the muscles that govern the throat may become dysfunctional, preventing the patient from actively controlling the muscles while asleep, resulting in drooling. If accompanied by symptoms such as crooked mouth corners, saliva that frequently flows in one direction, and eyes that do not close tightly, it is time to exercise utmost caution.
6. Arteriosclerosis. If you have atherosclerosis, it will cause ischemia and a shortage of oxygen to the brain. Your face muscles will relax, and your swallowing function will deteriorate, making it easy to drool. Middle-aged and elderly adults with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes should use extreme caution. Drooling when sleeping can be improved in three ways:
1. Adjust your sleeping position. Sleeping on your back can prevent drooling, regulate organ development, and possibly improve breathing. Try not to sleep on your stomach, and use a U-shaped neck pillow to alleviate discomfort.
2. Keep your tongue clean. Keep your mouth clean every day by washing it as quickly as possible after meals, brushing your teeth in the morning and evening, using fluoride toothpaste, and flossing at least once a day to clean between your teeth. If you discover a dental problem, you should address it immediately; otherwise, your teeth may loosen and injure your gums.
3. Alternative Medicine. If you discover that your drooling is caused by the medication you are taking, you can consult your doctor to see if you can switch to another medication; however, you should not change or discontinue the medication on your own.