Thialism, ptyalism, sialorrhea, hypersialia or hypersalivation, colloquially known as chronic drooling, is an oral disease. It is not serious, but it is uncomfortable and causes problems in daily life such as halitosis. Saliva contains proteins, glycoproteins, carbohydrates, electrolytes, epithelial cells and leukocytes. The normal daily saliva production is 1.5 liters and is generated by the salivary glands that are part of the upper digestive system. Saliva maintains the hydration of the mouth and its mucous membranes, facilitates chewing, tasting and swallowing food, and prevents cavities in addition to protecting the teeth against demineralization.

The causes of tialism can be:

1) Excessive saliva production caused, usually by the consumption of medications such as bethanechol, carbachol, pilocarpine, epinephrine, terbutaline, clonazepam or iodinated compounds.

2) The inability to swallow it even if the flow is normal, caused by a neurological disease such as:

– Parkinson.

– Cerebral palsy.

– Paralysis of the facial nerve.

– Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

– Riley-Day syndrome.

– Sequelae of a cerebral infarction or severe brain trauma.

The placement of a prosthesis or dental pain can also be a cause of hypersalivation. Babies can also present hypersalivation but this is normally a consequence of teeth formation or lack of facial muscle control.

Continuous salivation or drooling is the most obvious symptom but the intensity of the thialism can offer other signs such as:

– Peeling of the lips.

– Dermatitis on the chin.

– Facial muscle fatigue due to the effort of having to constantly swallow.

– Alteration of the sense of taste.

The visual examination provides the first assessment but, separately, sialometry can be performed. Quantitative and qualitative sialometry is the laboratory diagnostic test that allows the problem to be evaluated. The quantitative provides the salivary secretion rate, while the qualitative analyzes the composition of the saliva.

If thyalism is caused by the ingestion of a drug, the specialist’s recommendation will be to withdraw the medication and replace it with an alternative that does not cause hypersalivation. In other cases, the specialist may prescribe atropinic, antispasmodic or neuropsychotropic medications. This prescription should always be under a controlled medical prescription and its intake should not be prolonged over time due to its side effects and because it may interact with other medication that the patient requires.

Furthermore, if no treatment works or the quality of life is seriously affected, making it impossible to lead a normal life, there is the possibility of removing part of the salivary glands through surgery or ligating the ducts through which saliva is released.

If tyalism is caused by drugs or a neurological disease, prevention measures will probably not work, but the recommended guidelines to avoid hypersalivation are:

– Regular tooth brushing.

– Use dental rinse several times a day.

– Drink water frequently in small sips.

– Follow a healthy diet, avoiding acidic foods and those rich in starch as they promote salivation.

– Chewing gum or sucking on candy, both sugar-free, can help swallow excess saliva.

– Sleep the necessary hours since this rest favors the reduction of salivary flow.

What is glossitis? | Symptoms, causes and how to treat the disease What is leukoplakia? | Symptoms, causes and how to treat the disease

What are canker sores?