Why Is Your Mouth Producing So Much Saliva? 10 Causes

Is Sudden Excess Saliva Normal?

Saliva plays a vital role in digestion, which starts in the mouth. Saliva helps by moistening food, making it easier to chew and swallow. It also contains enzymes that begin breaking down carbohydrates, and it has natural antibacterial properties to help protect your mouth. 

Several salivary glands, including the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, work together to keep your mouth moist throughout the day. It’s completely normal for your saliva production to increase at certain times, like when you're hungry, chewing food, or even thinking about a meal.

But when you start producing noticeably more saliva out of nowhere, especially without eating, it might be a sign of hypersalivation. It is a condition that has many possible causes, ranging from minor irritations to medical conditions.

What Is Hypersalivation?

Hypersalivation (also called sialorrhea or ptyalism) simply means your body is producing more saliva than usual, or you're having trouble controlling it, which results in frequent swallowing, drooling, or discomfort.

This can happen due to stimulation of the salivary glands, irritation in the mouth or throat, or problems with swallowing. It’s not a disease itself, but a symptom that can stem from various temporary or chronic causes.

Common Causes of Sudden Saliva Overproduction

Excess saliva can happen for a variety of reasons. Some are temporary and harmless, while others are linked to medical conditions that may need a closer look.

Temporary or Benign Causes

Foods with strong flavors like lemons, vinegar, pickles, chili peppers, or wasabi can trigger your salivary glands to work overtime. This is a completely natural response. Your body increases saliva production to help neutralize acids and protect the lining of your mouth and throat, especially when you eat something spicy or sour.

During pregnancy, some people develop a condition known as ptyalism gravidarum, which means excessive saliva production. It often shows up in the first trimester, especially in those who are also experiencing morning sickness or nausea. 

The exact reason isn’t fully understood, but it’s likely linked to hormonal changes and changes in digestive function during early pregnancy. 

Emotional stress and anxiety can lead to a range of physical symptoms,  including increased saliva. 

Some people develop nervous habits, such as frequent swallowing, lip licking, or heightened awareness of the mouth, which can make it feel like there’s more saliva than usual. In reality, your body might not be producing more saliva, but you're simply more aware of it. 

Medical Conditions

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. This acid can irritate the throat, especially during or after meals or when lying down. 

As a natural defense, the body increases saliva production to help dilute and wash away the acid, protecting the delicate tissues of the mouth and throat.

Certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and cerebral palsy,  can interfere with the normal control of muscles used for swallowing. In many of these cases, saliva production isn’t actually increased, but rather, it becomes more difficult to swallow effectively.

Certain medications are known to stimulate saliva production or interfere with the body’s ability to manage it. Examples include:

•  An antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia often causes hypersalivation as a side effect
• Muscarinic agonist - A drug that is used to treat dry mouth, which can sometimes lead to overcorrection
• Seizure medications and some Alzheimer’s drugs - These may indirectly affect swallowing or gland stimulation

In rare cases, an allergic reaction, insect sting, or exposure to toxins or chemicals can cause overstimulation of the salivary glands. This often happens suddenly and may be accompanied by:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Confusion or dizziness

These symptoms may signal a medical emergency, especially if they appear suddenly or get worse quickly.

Common respiratory illnesses like sinus infections, sore throats, colds, or even influenza can lead to inflammation in the throat and nose. 

This often causes postnasal drip, which irritates the back of the throat and can trigger more saliva production. Coughing, congestion, and mouth breathing can make it feel worse.

Dental problems like cavities, tooth abscesses, gum disease, or injuries to the mouth can cause localized inflammation, which stimulates the nearby salivary glands. 

This extra saliva is part of your body’s natural healing process, helping to cleanse the area and protect against bacteria.

Painful spots in the mouth, such as canker sores, gum inflammation (gingivitis), or minor oral infections, can trigger a noticeable increase in saliva. 

When the soft tissues inside your mouth become irritated or inflamed, your body responds by stimulating the salivary glands. This extra saliva helps soothe the irritated area, wash away bacteria, and support healing.

Morning vs. Nighttime Saliva: What’s Different?

Morning Saliva

If you wake up with excess saliva or drool on your pillow, it could be due to how you’re sleeping or how your body handles saliva overnight.

• Sleeping with your mouth open can cause saliva to pool and leak out.
• Overnight acid reflux may irritate your throat and trigger saliva as a protective response.
• Nasal congestion or mouth breathing can dry the airway and stimulate extra saliva to compensate.

Nighttime Drooling

Drooling in your sleep might not mean your body is producing too much saliva,  just that it's not being swallowed effectively. Contributing factors include:

• Your sleeping position (like sleeping on your side or stomach)
• Sinus drainage or allergies
• Certain medications, muscle relaxants, or alcohol use that affect muscle control while you sleep

When Should You See a Doctor?

Persistent or bothersome hypersalivation can signal something more serious that needs medical evaluation.

• You're having trouble swallowing or speaking clearly
• You’re drooling during the day, not just at night
• You notice bad breath, gum infections, or unusual saliva color
• You’re also experiencing fatigue, tremors, or weight loss

How to Reduce Excess Saliva

Home Remedies

If your symptoms are mild and not linked to a medical condition, these simple strategies may help reduce saliva and improve comfort:

• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on mints: This encourages more frequent swallowing, which helps manage saliva buildup.
• Avoid acidic or spicy foods: These can overstimulate salivary glands and worsen hypersalivation.
• Stay hydrated: Surprisingly, dehydration can make your saliva feel thicker and more noticeable.
• Adjust your posture: Sitting or sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help saliva drain more easily and reduce nighttime drooling.

Medical Treatments for Hypersalivation

When home remedies aren’t enough, and especially if your saliva overproduction is persistent or linked to an underlying health condition, medical treatment may be necessary. Treatment options vary depending on the cause but may include:

• Treating the underlying condition: Managing issues like GERD, infections, or neurological disorders can often bring saliva levels back to normal.
• Stopping or adjusting medications: If a medication you’re taking is causing hypersalivation, your doctor may be able to reduce the dose, switch to an alternative, or add a balancing treatment.
• Anti-muscarinic medications: These drugs help block the chemical signals that tell your salivary glands to produce saliva. They are especially helpful in neurological conditions and more severe cases, but may have side effects like dry mouth or blurred vision.
• Physical or speech therapy: Specialized therapy can help strengthen the muscles in your face and mouth, improve swallowing control, and reduce drooling, especially in people with neurological disorders or after a stroke.
• Botulinum toxin (Botox): In more resistant or severe cases, Botox injections into the salivary glands can temporarily reduce their activity, decreasing saliva production for several months.

Is Excess Salivation Dangerous?

Excess salivation isn’t just inconvenient, in some people, it increases the risk of aspiration (inhaling saliva into the lungs), which can lead to choking or respiratory infections like aspiration pneumonia. That’s why persistent or severe cases should always be addressed by a healthcare provider.