Why Does Saliva Collect in the Corner of My Mouth When Talking?

Speaking often means your mouth is busy, and you might not swallow as often as you normally do. Swallowing is how your body clears the saliva that your glands produce constantly. Since you naturally produce saliva, if you’re distracted by talking, the saliva may have time to gather, especially at the corners of your mouth. In addition, the way your lips move while speaking might push some of that saliva to one side. This is a normal variation of how saliva is managed in your mouth and can sometimes be more noticeable if you naturally produce a little extra saliva or if your mouth muscles don’t evenly control saliva collection. Studies show that factors like stress or even certain thoughts can modify salivation, so it can vary from person to person. If you notice this only sometimes and it doesn’t cause any pain or other problems, it is usually nothing to worry about. However, if it becomes bothersome, talking with a healthcare provider can help you learn if any treatment or strategy might improve it.