Why Do We Choke on Our Spit?

Choking on our spit can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable experience. It is a common occurrence and can happen to anyone, but it is more likely to happen to individuals who produce excessive saliva. Did you know there is a scientific reason behind this ? In this article, we will explore the reasons why we create spit in our mouth, the causes of excess spit collection, and some helpful ways to manage it.

The production of saliva is an important physiological process that helps us to maintain good oral health. It is a watery substance that is secreted by the salivary glands and contains enzymes that break down food particles in the mouth. It also helps to keep the mouth moist, which is important for speaking and swallowing.

However excessive production of saliva, occurs in people as well and it is known as Hypersalivation. Hypersalivation can be caused by several factors. Some of the most common causes include anxiety, dehydration, medication, and certain medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Parkinson's disease, and stroke.

Anxiety and stress can cause overstimulation of the salivary glands, leading to an increase in saliva production. Dehydration can also cause the body to produce more saliva as a way of protecting the mouth and throat from dryness.

Medications that stimulate the salivary glands or affect the nervous system can also cause hypersalivation. These include drugs used to treat depression, allergies, and Parkinson's disease.

Medical conditions such as GERD can cause acid reflux, which can irritate the esophagus and trigger the production of saliva. Parkinson's disease and stroke can also affect the nerves that control the salivary glands, leading to excessive saliva production.

If you suffer from excessive spit collection in your mouth, there are several ways to manage it. One of the most effective ways is to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Drinking plenty of water can also help to keep the mouth moist and reduce the production of saliva. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can stimulate the salivary glands, so avoiding these can also help to reduce saliva production.

If medication is causing the excessive spit production, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication. For individuals with medical conditions such as GERD, treating the underlying condition can help to reduce the production of saliva.

In severe cases of hypersalivation, medication may be prescribed to reduce saliva production. This includes drugs such as atropine and scopolamine, which can help to dry up saliva and reduce its production.

Choking on our spit can be an uncomfortable experience, but it is a common occurrence that can happen to anyone. The production of saliva is an important physiological process that helps us to maintain good oral health, but excessive saliva production can be cause a level of discomfort.

If you suffer from excessive spit collection in your mouth, maintaining good oral hygiene, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding stimulants such as gum and hard candy can help to reduce saliva production. If medication or a medical condition is causing the excessive production of saliva, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dosage or treating the underlying condition.

In severe cases of hypersalivation, medication may be prescribed to reduce saliva production. With proper management, excessive spit collection in the mouth can be controlled, and choking on our spit can be prevented.