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Published on: 3/17/2025

What Might Cause Excess Saliva on One Side of the Mouth?

Excess saliva on one side of the mouth can happen when one salivary gland or its control system acts differently than the other, causing more saliva to be produced or not cleared well.

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Explanation

Sometimes, you might notice that one side of your mouth seems wetter because a salivary gland is working a little harder or isn’t being well controlled. This difference can happen due to small imbalances in the way your mouth and nerves work. For example, one gland might be a bit more active, or medications and food might change how much saliva one side produces. Your swallowing muscles and nerves help move saliva from your mouth, and if they are not exactly even on both sides, the saliva might pool on one side. Other times, an infection or irritation in one of the glands can make it produce more saliva, leading to extra saliva production on that side. These factors together can make your mouth feel uneven, with one side having more saliva than the other. If this happens a lot or causes discomfort, it might be a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider who can check that everything is working as it should and suggest simple changes or treatments to help balance your saliva production.

(References)

  • Miranda-Rius J, Brunet-Llobet L, Lahor-Soler E, Farré M. Salivary Secretory Disorders, Inducing Drugs, and Clinical Management. Int J Med Sci. 2015 Sep 22;12(10):811-24. doi: 10.7150/ijms.12912. PMID: 26516310; PMCID: PMC4615242.

  • Bozorgi C, Holleufer C, Wendin K. Saliva Secretion and Swallowing-The Impact of Different Types of Food and Drink on Subsequent Intake. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 19;12(1):256. doi: 10.3390/nu12010256. PMID: 31963804; PMCID: PMC7019672.

  • Iorgulescu G. Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health. J Med Life. 2009 Jul-Sep;2(3):303-7. PMID: 20112475; PMCID: PMC5052503.

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