Sticky or thick saliva can develop for a variety of reasons: Stuffy Nose A stuffy nose due to allergies or a cold can cause thick saliva. Cancer Therapy People undergoing radiation therapy to the head or neck may develop dry mouth and thicker saliva.
Dehydration Sticky, thick saliva can also be a sign of dehydration. Salivary Duct Obstructions Your salivary ducts are the tiny channels that pump saliva throughout your mouth. In combination with speaking to a medical professional, there are a few things you can try at home to thin your saliva: Drink 10 cups of water or liquids a day, as the ACS recommends.
Stay away from thick, sticky foods, such as nut butter, and to try to eat more foods that are soft or that have a high moisture content, suggests the ACS. Macmillan Cancer Support recommends leaning over a steaming bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to loosen thick saliva. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.
Overview Salivary glands Open pop-up dialog box Close. Salivary glands You have three pairs of major salivary glands — parotid, sublingual and submandibular. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Dry mouth.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Accessed Feb. Diseases like cancer or Sjogren syndrome can affect your salivary glands and can cause dry mouth or obstructed salivary ducts, which leads to thick saliva.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that alters the production of mucus, sweat, and digestive enzymes in the cells. Fluids like saliva, which should normally be thin and slick, become thick and sticky as a result of the genetic defect, clogging passages throughout the body. There are multiple ways to treat thick saliva; how you treat your condition depends on the cause.
Additional recommendations for people experiencing thick saliva due to radiation or chemo include:. People who are experiencing thick saliva should consult their general practitioner to begin the process of pinpointing the root cause.
If you have thick saliva and know your underlying condition, it will be important to know what symptoms are red flags. Symptoms of dehydration include:. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. First, it's a good idea to speak to your doctor or dental professional to determine the cause, especially if it's an ongoing problem and you're unsure why it's occurring.
In combination with speaking to a medical professional, there are a few things you can try at home to thin your saliva. If your thick saliva persists despite these at-home remedies, your doctor or dental professional can recommend the next steps to help you feel more comfortable. There are treatments readily available so that you can get back to having a healthy, moisturized mouth and a confident smile.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy.
0コメント