Dense saliva in the mouth: what are the causes of the appearance, methods of treatment and prevention measures

Salivary glands secrete a multicomponent fluid that consists predominantly of water.About 5% of saliva is represented by enzyme compounds, proteins, acid residues of salts and a multitude of trace elements.Maltase and amylase contained in the oral cavity, being organic enzymes, participate in the cleavage of polysaccharides immediately after ingestion.Due to lysozyme, the growth of pathogenic bacteria is controlled.

General information

Why does a person sometimes observe a foamy and excessively thick saliva?It's all about the high-molecular glycoprotein-mucin , which is responsible for the formation and envelopment of the food lump.Violation of the work of this mechanism creates difficulties with swallowing food and moving it through the esophagus.From which we can conclude that thick saliva is an important attribute of the initial stage of the digestive process.For what amount of saliva will be allocated, the autonomic nervous system is responsible.In this regard, people who are in a state of sleep or under the influence of anesthesia, experience dry mouth.Effects of different smells and flavors give impetus to a sharp increase in the production of saliva.

The appearance of excessive density and white color of saliva causes a wide range of causes.Activation of the actions of stimuli present in the oral cavity and triggering the pulses of in the sympathetic part of the nervous system intensify salivation.For the purpose of proper treatment it is necessary to diagnose the underlying provoking disease.

Causes of thick saliva

Saliva may become dense for the following reasons:

• Sinusitis .A chronic disease of the sinuses of the paranasal sinuses makes itself felt by the thick phlegm and the unpleasant odor from the mouth.The mucus produced by the sinuses continuously moves from the mouth to the throat.The nasal cavity swells, and the saliva thickens.Patients exert efforts to release the throat from sticky phlegm, and then spit out the clot.The chronic form of the disease is complicated by a headache and less often by a fever.In case of suspicion of sinusitis, you should immediately register for an appointment with an otolaryngologist.
• Xerostomia .Sudden disruption of the salivary glands, complicated by severe dryness.The saliva becomes very viscous at the same time.The surface of the tongue becomes denser, the receptors are disrupted, the burning sensation is present in the mouth.Sometimes in the throat there is perspiration and pain.
• Fungal Candidiasis .Infectious disease, which develops due to a violation of immune functions, after a long reception of antibiotics and corticosteroids.And also it can provoke contact ways of infection, personal hygiene items.Candidiasis can be a symptom of much more serious diseases: diabetes, tuberculosis, AIDS.With thrush, the taste of metal in the mouth, difficulty in swallowing food, itching and burning of the mucous membranes can be felt.
• Angina, pharyngitis, laryngitis.Diseases affect the area of ​​the tonsils.Infection causes the formation of purulent vesicles, and their spontaneous rupture creates discomfort in the mouth.The inflammatory process is accompanied by an increased temperature, which deprives the body of water and depresses the function of the salivary glands.Periodontitis and periodontitis.Due to damaged tissues of the gingiva, the amount of saliva produced decreases.Elements of epithelial tissue penetrate the salivary fluid, which makes it viscous and white.
• Infectious diseases of an acute nature: dysentery, typhoid fever, hepatitis.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.Gastroesophageal reflux disease( GERD).With this pathology, the gastric juice rises to the oral cavity.In this case, additional salivation is necessary to neutralize the stomach acid.
• Endocrine disruptions of the .A change in the hormonal background occurs during pregnancy, during puberty and with menopause.These causes can also cause thick saliva.
• Autoimmune diseases.Heavy disease, almost not amenable to treatment.Pathology is manifested in the defeat of glands of external secretion, including salivary secretions.
• Dehydration.Water is the main constituent of saliva.Deficiency of fluid in the human diet leads to an increase in the viscosity of saliva.A person needs 1.5-2 liters of water per day to avoid dehydration.This is the minimum dose that ensures the proper functioning of all body systems.
• Dry air .Often the saliva becomes frothy and viscous due to the negative effect of dry air on the respiratory system.In a poorly ventilated room, where the humidity does not correspond to the norms, the mucous membrane of the mouth instantly dries up.Thickening, the mucus forms crusts around the perimeter of the inner throat, which is manifested by perspiration and dry cough.Thus, the air masses, moving along the respiratory tract, receive the necessary moisture due to the moisture of the mucous membranes.Mouth and throat are not responsible for air humidification.For this purpose, the nasal cavity is designed in which a special mukonasal secret is produced.When a person can not normally breathe through the nose, then for this he uses the mouth, so the saliva immediately begins to thicken.
• Smoking.Tobacco smoke causes irritation of the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and there is an increase in the volume of mucus.Many smokers complain of the presence of an object in the throat.
• Action of allergens .Dense saliva, observed in certain months, indicates a seasonal allergy to pollen.
• Taking medications.There are categories of drugs that cause such a side effect, such as thickening of saliva.These can be hormone pills, antidepressants and antihistamines.
• Diabetes mellitus.The dryness of the oral mucosa and thick saliva are often observed against a background of hyperglycemic conditions.

In addition to drastically reducing the amount of secreted saliva and, as a result, increasing viscosity, patients can observe additional symptoms:

• taste dysfunction
• Sore throat
• Offensive odor from the oral cavity
• Cracks on the lips and corners of the mouth, overdried mucous
• burning sensation in the sky and language
• Solidification muscle language

fibers Properties treatment

it may be that saliva becomes thick due to temporary hormonal disorders .In such cases, medicamental care is not required, and the natural secretion of saliva is established after a while.To understand the reasons for the violation of salivation necessary internal consultation of a dentist.He will interview the patient, give directions to the tests, and then he will select the appropriate course of treatment.As a rule, an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause makes it possible to prescribe the correct method of treatment, which will lead to a gradual normalization of the salivary glands.

The first thing to do is to stabilize the moisture level of the mucous membranes of the mouth.This can help following treatments:

• mouthwash anti decoctions of herbs and soda-brine.To eliminate symptoms of laryngitis, it is advisable to use antiseptics, for example, hexoral.
• Application of artificial saliva.Use in the form of drops or spray.
• Spray humidifiers and gel substitutes.Well-known manufacturers produce drugs in the form of a gel and spray, which instantly help to eliminate dry mouth.In addition, they contain antibacterial components designed to eliminate an unpleasant odor.
• Mucolytics.A group of drugs to increase the production and dilution of saliva.Bromlein and acetylisteine ​​have proven successful.
• Inhalations.They help those who have problems with the lungs and bronchi.For inhalation, you can use both pharmaceutical preparations and herbal infusions, for example, St. John's wort or sage.
• Chewing gum with sugar substitute.Excellent stimulate the salivary glands.

Folk remedies for lowering the viscosity of saliva

• Broth from pine bark and needles.Pour 4 tablespoons of ingredients with a liter of boiling water.For 10 minutes, keep on low heat, and then put on an hour to infuse.A strained drink is taken on an empty stomach three times a day for 2 tablespoons.
• Mixture of aloe with honey.Take inside no more than twice a day on a tablespoon.
• Propolis with peach oil.Lubricate the mixture with the mouth in the morning and evening.

Preventive measures

Daily preventive measures will reduce the risk of thick saliva. It should observe the following recommendations:

• Drink plenty of fluids.To give preference to clean drinking water that has not undergone heat treatment.Non-carbonated mineral waters are welcome.If you add papaya juice to the glass, you can achieve saliva thinning, since this fruit has proteolytic enzymes in its composition.
• Get rid of bad habits.Alcohol and tobacco have a detrimental effect on the saliva.
• Limit the intake of caffeinated and carbonated beverages that dehydrate the body.
• Do not get involved in dairy products.Excessive consumption of milk and cheese creates the soil for the formation of excessive mucus.It is useful to drink yogurt, as it normalizes the microflora of the oral cavity.
• Regular rinsing of the mouth with a warm saline solution will remove the mucus and make the saliva less viscous.Do not rinse your mouth with alcohol-based solutions.
• Do not let the body become hypothermic
• Dentists recommend using sugar-free chewing gum
• Several times a week it is useful to breathe on a pot of hot water or boiled potatoes.
• Include in your food ration fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as cereals.Proper nutrition is a pledge of quality salivary fluid.
• To humidify the air in the bedroom, it is recommended to purchase a humidifier.