When we talk about oral health, saliva plays a crucial role that often goes unnoticed until its consistency starts to change. It might be alarming to notice a thick, sticky feeling in your mouth, but it's usually a symptom rather than a health problem in its own right.
Let's dive into the topic and understand why saliva may become thick, and what you can do about it.
Quick Answer: What Causes Thick Saliva? And How Do I Treat It?
Thick saliva, often described as "ropey", "stringy" or "sticky" saliva, can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, certain medications, smoking, alcohol consumption, and some medical conditions.
Treatments generally aim to address the underlying cause and may include staying well-hydrated, altering medication where possible, quitting smoking, or treating any underlying health conditions.
Common Causes of Thick, Sticky Saliva
Dehydration: This is the most common cause of thick saliva. When you're not adequately hydrated, your body tries to conserve water by thickening your saliva.
Certain medications: Some drugs, such as certain antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can cause saliva to thicken.
Smoking: The heat, chemical irritants, and nicotine in tobacco can disrupt saliva production, leading to thicker saliva.
Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol has a dehydrating effect, and often results in thick or stringy saliva. Mouthwashes like Listerine that contain high alcohol concentrations will be similarly dehydrating to the oral tissues.
Medical conditions: Health issues like Sjogren's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and mouth and throat infections can cause saliva to become thicker.
Dehydration as a Cause
The most common cause of thick saliva is simple dehydration. Saliva is mostly water, so when you're not taking in enough fluids, your body may thicken your saliva to conserve moisture. Other signs of dehydration include dry mouth, thirst, dry skin, and feeling tired or lightheaded.
Medications that Cause Thick Saliva
Some medications can cause your saliva to thicken. These include certain types of antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and drugs used to treat urinary incontinence. If you notice that your saliva has become thicker after starting a new medication, it's worth discussing this side effect with your doctor.
Smoking and Saliva Thickness
Tobacco smoke is a common cause of dry mouth, which can lead to thickened saliva. The heat, chemical irritants, and nicotine in tobacco can interfere with saliva production, causing it to become thicker and less plentiful.
Medical Conditions that Affect Saliva Consistency
Certain health conditions can also cause saliva to become thick. These include Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the glands that produce saliva and tears; cystic fibrosis, which creates thick mucus in various parts of the body including the mouth; and mouth and throat infections, which can cause inflammation and increased mucus production.
How to Treat Thick, Stringy Saliva
The treatment for thick saliva largely depends on the underlying cause.
If dehydration is the problem, increasing your water intake should help.
If medication is causing your symptoms, your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different drug.
If your physician is unable to alter your drug regimen, you may consider artificial saliva in addition to increased water consumption.
Smoking cessation can improve saliva consistency in those who use tobacco.
When a medical condition is the cause, treating that condition will often help alleviate the symptom.
Artificial Saliva and Saliva Substitutes
If thick saliva is causing you discomfort, artificial saliva products or saliva substitutes might be a practical solution. These products are designed to mimic natural saliva and can help to keep your mouth moist and alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth.
Artificial saliva comes in various forms such as sprays, gels, lozenges, and rinses. They contain ingredients that resemble the moisture and lubricating properties of natural saliva, which can help with chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
Many of these products are available over the counter, but there are prescription options as well. You should consult with your healthcare provider or dentist to determine which product might work best for your specific needs.
Here are some things to consider when using these products:
Frequency of use: Depending on the severity of your dry mouth, you might need to apply the product several times a day. Follow the instructions on the packaging or your healthcare provider's advice.
Side effects: While generally safe to use, some people might experience minor side effects like a slight burning or stinging sensation. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult with your healthcare provider.
Dental Hygiene: Remember that while these products can alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth, they're not a substitute for good oral hygiene. Continue to brush and floss regularly to maintain oral health.
Stay hydrated: In addition to using artificial saliva, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth moist.
Avoid irritants: Avoid foods and beverages that can exacerbate dry mouth, like caffeine, alcohol, and certain spicy or acidic foods.
Chewing Gum and Dietary Adjustments
Another simple yet effective way to manage thick saliva is by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies. This can stimulate saliva production, thereby helping to thin out your saliva. Opt for products that contain the ingredient xylitol, which has been shown to improve oral health.
Alongside this, there are certain dietary adjustments that can make a significant difference.
Foods to Include:
Hydrating foods: Foods with high water content like cucumber, watermelon, and other fresh fruits can help increase saliva production and maintain hydration. Though dentists never recommend chewing on ice (since it is damaging to teeth), for patients with extremely thick saliva it may be prudent to hold ice chips or shaved ice in the mouth and allow them to melt.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Foods rich in omega-3, such as flax seeds, chia seeds, fish, and walnuts, may improve saliva composition and reduce dryness.
Vitamin C-rich foods: Foods high in vitamin C can increase salivation. These include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and kiwifruit.
Foods to Avoid:
Dehydrating foods and drinks: Alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and salty or spicy foods can dehydrate your mouth, thus thickening saliva.
Sugary foods: Sugary foods and drinks can alter the pH balance of your mouth, potentially leading to increased bacteria and thicker saliva.
Remember, these are general guidelines and may not work for everyone. You may want to consider working with a nutritionist or dietitian who can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and circumstances. Consult with your healthcare provider or dentist if you have any questions or concerns.
Final Thoughts
Thick saliva can feel unpleasant and can interfere with normal eating and speaking, but it's usually a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease in itself.
If you're experiencing this problem, it's important to discuss it with a healthcare professional who can help identify the cause and suggest appropriate treatment options.
In the meantime, be sure to avoid alcohol, tobacco, alcohol-containing mouthwash, and spicy foods.
And consider keeping a water bottle by your side, using lip balm to maintain moistened lips, and using saliva substitutes and sugar-free gums and candies to combat thick, sticky saliva.
FAQs
Why am I producing so much thick saliva?
The overproduction of thick saliva could be due to dehydration, certain medications, smoking, or specific health conditions like Sjogren's syndrome or cystic fibrosis. You could also experience thick saliva as a result of an infection in your mouth or throat. If you're consistently producing a large amount of thick saliva, it's important to seek medical advice to identify and treat the underlying cause.
What is the home remedy for thick saliva?
Staying hydrated is the most straightforward home remedy for thick saliva. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help thin your saliva. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies can also stimulate saliva production and help keep your mouth moist. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist, as they could be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment.
Why is my spit so thick and foamy?
Thick, foamy saliva can be caused by many of the same factors that lead to the production of thick saliva in general, such as dehydration, certain medications, smoking, and medical conditions. Dry mouth is a common cause of foamy saliva. If you're experiencing this symptom regularly, it's worth getting checked by a healthcare professional to ensure there's no underlying condition that requires treatment.
When should I be worried about thick saliva?
While thick saliva is often just a result of temporary dehydration or dry mouth, there are times when it might indicate a more serious issue. If you have persistent thick saliva accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, bad breath, mouth sores, or a change in taste, it's advisable to seek medical attention. These could be symptoms of underlying health conditions that need treatment.
Is thick saliva good or bad?
Thick saliva isn't necessarily bad—it's often just a response to dehydration, dry mouth, or certain foods and medications. However, persistently thick saliva can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem such as an infection, a systemic condition, or the side effects of certain drugs. If you're concerned about the consistency of your saliva, it's always a good idea to seek medical advice.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.