Why is there always so much saliva in my mouth upon waking up in the morning?
Disease description:
This morning, when I called my son to get up for school, I noticed a wet spot on his pillow, and there was still drool coming from the corner of his mouth. Why does he always have so much saliva in his mouth when he wakes up?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Upon waking in the morning, there is often an excessive amount of saliva in the mouth, which may be caused by several factors:
1. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, as salivary glands continue to secrete saliva during sleep, while swallowing movements decrease, leading to saliva accumulation in the oral cavity.
2. Poor oral hygiene, such as excessive tartar buildup or gingivitis, can stimulate increased saliva secretion from the salivary glands.
3. Unfavorable sleeping positions, such as lying on one's side or sleeping with the head resting on a desk, may compress the salivary glands, resulting in increased saliva upon waking.
4. Other possible causes include malocclusion of the front teeth, internal heat ("fire" in traditional Chinese medicine), and neurological disorders.
To improve this condition, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene, adjust sleeping posture, and seek medical evaluation and treatment when necessary.
