Published on: 3/17/2025
Excess saliva on one side of your mouth might be linked to a local issue with the salivary glands or differences in how nerves and muscles manage saliva on that side.
There are a few reasons why you could have more saliva pooling on one side of your mouth. One possibility is that a salivary gland—like your parotid or submandibular gland—on that side may be overactive, blocked, or irritated by an infection or inflammation. This can lead to extra saliva production or trouble draining saliva effectively. Another possibility is that the nerve signals or muscle control on one side of your face may be slightly out of balance. Conditions that affect the nerves or muscles, such as those that sometimes occur in neurological disorders, can make it more difficult for you to swallow or keep saliva inside, which might result in drooling on one side. Additionally, certain medications or systemic disorders that influence salivary secretion might play a role. If you notice that the excess saliva comes with pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can look into your specific situation and help determine if any further evaluation or treatment is needed.
(References)
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Lakraj AA, Moghimi N, Jabbari B. Sialorrhea: anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment with emphasis on the role of botulinum toxins. Toxins (Basel). 2013 May 21;5(5):1010-31. doi: 10.3390/toxins5051010. PMID: 23698357; PMCID: PMC3709276.
Leung AK, Kao CP. Drooling in children. Paediatr Child Health. 1999 Sep;4(6):406-11. doi: 10.1093/pch/4.6.406. PMID: 20212951; PMCID: PMC2827743.
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