What should I note?
When it began, medicines and links with eating or swallowing.
← All explanationsHypersalivation
Why does too much saliva collect in the mouth?
Hypersalivation means increased saliva production. However, feeling that there is too much saliva or drooling does not always result from overproduction: swallowing or lip closure may also be impaired. Production, clearance and accompanying symptoms therefore need separate assessment.
For training & practice ↓
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Choose a view
Saliva is produced
Salivary glands release fluid into the mouth. Increased production is one possible explanation for excess saliva, but not the only one.
Saliva needs to be cleared
The tongue, lips and swallowing help manage saliva. If this is impaired, saliva may collect or leave the mouth without increased production.
Assess causes and warning signs
New or persistent drooling needs assessment. Swallowing difficulty, repeated choking or a wet voice after eating or drinking needs urgent medical advice. For acute severe breathing difficulty in Germany: call 112.
Read the full explanation
Saliva is produced
Salivary glands release fluid into the mouth. Increased production is one possible explanation for excess saliva, but not the only one.
Saliva needs to be cleared
The tongue, lips and swallowing help manage saliva. If this is impaired, saliva may collect or leave the mouth without increased production.
Assess causes and warning signs
New or persistent drooling needs assessment. Swallowing difficulty, repeated choking or a wet voice after eating or drinking needs urgent medical advice. For acute severe breathing difficulty in Germany: call 112.
Notes on the teaching images
- Anatomical teaching model · not a flow measurement
- Simplified functional diagram · not a swallowing test
- General orientation · individual assessment required
At a glance
Does difficulty swallowing matter?
Yes. Swallowing difficulty, repeated choking or a wet voice after eating or drinking needs urgent medical advice.
Can dentistry assess everything?
No. Other medical specialties may be involved depending on the cause.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
More production or less clearance?
Drooling does not prove overproduction. In clinical use, sialorrhoea can also refer to saliva escaping from the mouth.
Quick answers
Is it always a salivary gland problem?
No. Production, swallowing and mouth closure may contribute differently. The symptom alone does not identify its cause.
Can medicines play a part?
Yes. A medication list can help with assessment. Do not stop a medicine or change its dose without professional advice.
What can help?
Management depends on the cause. Medical assessment and support for swallowing may be appropriate. A general home remedy will not suit every situation.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
Is this increased production or difficulty with swallowing or mouth closure?
Persistent drooling can be discussed. If swallowing is difficult, seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.
Discuss symptomsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Salivation
- The production and release of saliva.
- Dysphagia
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Aspiration
- Material entering the airway.
Make the distinction
Visible drooling, measured saliva quantity and the underlying cause are not interchangeable.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.