As the amount of ptyalin decreases and mucin increases, saliva can become thick and viscous and present problems for the elderly. One of the most prevalent causes of xerostomia is medication. Anticholinergics, such as psychotropic agents and antihistamines, and diuretics can dry the oral mucosa.
Thick saliva can result from dehydration or breathing through the mouth. However, it can also indicate a more serious condition, such as Sjögren disease or cystic fibrosis. Finally, several medications and certain cancer treatments can cause thick saliva.
While this may not seem like a big deal, it can be quite uncomfortable and lead to other problems such as difficulty swallowing. Some medical conditions that can cause sticky saliva include dehydration, Sjogren's syndrome, and diabetes.
Drink at least 8 to 10 cups of fluid to help prevent dehydration and help thin saliva. Drink warm fluids to help clear your mouth of thick saliva and to help 'wash' food down. Rinse your mouth and gargle with club soda or baking soda rinse (1/4 tsp baking soda mixed with 1 cup water) before and after eating.
Sticky or thick saliva happens when there is not enough moisture in your saliva, creating a thicker consistency. In some cases, mucus will mix with your saliva, creating that stickiness you feel in the back of your throat and mouth.
When too much saliva is a concern. Hypersalivation can be temporary or can become chronic over time, known as sialorrhea. For example, if you have a decaying tooth or other mouth infection, your body may produce excess saliva in order to help wash away bacteria and allow your mouth to heal.
A postnasal drip is excess mucus that the glands of the nose and throat secrete. A person may feel as if mucus is dripping down or stuck in their throat, particularly at night. They may feel the need to clear their throat more than usual.
Intake of hard or dry foods, like crackers, tough meats, and viscous foods, like thick syrups, peanut butter should be limited. Encourage small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day. Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration and to thin saliva.
Good mouth care and frequent sips of water are helpful ways to manage problems with dry mouth or thick saliva. Avoiding alcohol intake and tobacco, avoiding certain foods, and keeping caffeine and sugar (in candy, gum, or soft drinks) to a minimum can help keep a dry mouth and thick saliva from getting worse.
The antihistamine diphenhydramine can also reduce hypersalivation, with no increases in rates of constipation when compared to placebo. The antihistamine chlorpheniramine and benzamide derivatives both reduce hypersalivation, but adverse effects were not reported.
Dry mouth is a common clinical problem, and different products have been proposed to improve it. Making products such as mouthwash or lozenges using yogurt can help to reduce dry mouth.
Greater mouth opening in older adults may be a protective compensation, contributing to the preservation of function associated with healthy aging.
Use over-the-counter medicines to help thin your saliva, such as Mucinex or Robitussin. It is important to drink plenty of water when you take these medicines.
Your mouth may feel full of mucus, or you may find it difficult to swallow. Along with discomfort, thicker saliva can contribute to other problems in your mouth. When saliva is thin and free-flowing, it's able to do its job of washing bacteria from your teeth, which reduces your risk of gum disease or other infections.
So here's the big question: Should you spit or swallow your phlegm? Even though it might taste nasty, “there's nothing wrong with swallowing it,” Dr. Comer says. In fact, that's probably what your body expects you to do, which is why phlegm naturally drains down into the back of your throat.
Too much saliva
Your healthcare team may be able to prescribe medication to help 'dry up' or reduce excess, watery saliva, but the following natural methods may also provide some relief. Drinking ginger tea, sage tea or dark grape juice can help to reduce saliva production.
It is well known that sour and/or carbonated foods and drinks increase saliva secretion and trigger the swallowing reflex.
It is a common symptom of conditions such as the common cold, sinusitis, and allergies. The excess mucus can be caused by inflammation or swelling of the nasal passages, which can be due to a variety of factors such as viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants in the air.
Excessive amounts of saliva in the mouth after a meal can indicate acid reflux. When the salivary glands detect an irritant in the mouth, they begin producing saliva. So if you have bile re-entering your esophagus and mouth – it's no surprise that you may have extra saliva.
Expression lines developing around the mouth from frequent smiling and natural movement. These can include marionette lines, smile lines, and vertical lines. Loss of fat below the skin leading to sagging skin and physical skin changes. This change in turn can then cause lines to develop, such as marionette lines.
It's best to avoid highly acidic foods like citrus fruits and condiments that contain vinegar. Besides damaging teeth, the acid can also worsen the mouth sores that dryness causes. Low-acid foods you can still enjoy in moderation include bananas, apples, oatmeal, and skinless chicken.
Choose soft foods like scrambled eggs, puddings, and ice cream. Avoid dry foods. Cut your food into small pieces to make it easier to chew and swallow. Soups and stews are good options, as long as meats are soft or cut into small pieces.