Saliva management is an area of health care that is concerned with a patient’s ability to produce enough saliva or, conversely, control his or her saliva so that the patient is able to safely swallow it and not drool. Health care professionals who treat saliva management may prescribe lifestyle changes and physical therapy and provide supportive services to those who suffer from these conditions. They can also teach caregivers about the management of saliva. Common saliva management techniques and treatments include medications and both muscle control and behavioral therapy.
Some individuals are unable to produce enough saliva to keep their mouths comfortably moist, a condition known as dry mouth syndrome. In addition to being uncomfortable, dry mouth syndrome can have a significant impact on a person’s health and even contribute to social stigmatization. A lack of saliva can contribute to mouth infections caused by dry gums and tongue and mouth membranes. In addition, this dryness can contribute to bad breath and other oral health problems. In the first case, those who suffer from this problem may offend others, and their personal appearance may be compromised. Both can have significant effects on the sufferer’s social life, interpersonal relationships, and career.
Another area of concern to those who specialize in saliva management is that of excessive salivation that can lead to drooling. Drooling is often a problem for the elderly and the disabled, typically because the sufferer has minimal control over his or her facial muscles. As with the problems caused by dry mouth, drooling can likewise create social and career problems for individuals, particularly as it can cause embarrassment for the sufferer. In addition, there are health problems associated with excessive drooling, some of which can be dangerous, such as the ongoing risk of choking.
Those who have difficulty with saliva management may need to receive help from more than one health care professional. In some cases, excessive saliva can be the result of dental problems that can be fixed by a dentist. Other options include Botox injections, which can affect facial muscles, along with various types of muscle and behavioral training that can assist sufferers in developing facial strength or habits that can minimize drooling. Individuals with dry mouth can address issues that may be contributing to the condition, such as switching medications, while also taking care to drink plenty of liquids and develop a good oral hygiene routine that helps protect their teeth and gums.