Salivation

The secretion of saliva into the oral cavity through exocrine activity of the salivary glands. Excessive salivation (hypersalivation or sialorrhea) results from increased saliva production or impaired clearance.

Causes of hypersalivation

• Neurological causes impairing swallowing or facial muscle control

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

  • Stroke

• Oral and gastrointestinal causes

  • Teething in toddlers

  • Tonsillitis

  • Streptococcal pharyngitis

  • Mouth ulcers

  • Dental prostheses

  • Nausea and vomiting disorders

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Esophageal obstruction or swallowing disorders

• Pregnancy-associated hypersalivation (ptyalism gravidarum)

• Toxic causes

  • Pesticide exposure

  • Heavy metal poisoning

• Medications affecting salivary secretion or swallowing function

  • Cholinergic medications

  • Anticholinergic withdrawal states