Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge use of information contained in The Parkinson’s Disease Society (UK) information sheet ‘Eating, Swallowing and saliva control in Parkinson’s '.
Our thanks also to Julia Johnson for her help in reviewing this article.
Drooling occurs when saliva builds up in the mouth, mainly due to difficulties swallowing, and begins to leak out. The terms ‘Sialorrhoea ’ and ‘drooling’ tend to be used interchangeably.
Drooling can cause considerable social embarrassment, and it may make the skin around the mouth sore. Clothes often become stained and breath may be stale as the saliva pools in the mouth. If excessive saliva is inhaled by mistake it can cause aspiration pneumonia, so it is important that it is managed well both for personal safety and to improve quality of life.
Saliva is necessary for digestion. It lubricates the throat to make swallowing easier and contains enzymes that break down food. It also assists with oral hygiene as saliva helps break down plaque, too.
Increased salivary flow
Inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling or choking on foreign matter such as food or saliva.
A type of protein made by the body that helps a biological process go faster and which regulates or causes chemical changes in other substances, changing it from one form to another.
Relating to, affecting, or for use in the mouth.the mouth and its use.
