Why Am I Producing So Much Saliva All of a Sudden?

When you notice a sudden increase in saliva, there are several possible reasons. Sometimes, it can be linked to changes in your internal systems—your body might ramp up saliva production in response to irritation in your mouth or digestive issues. Certain medications can also trigger more saliva. For example, some drugs used to treat neurological conditions or gastrointestinal problems may have side effects that include excessive salivation. Psychological factors may be involved too; one study noted that salivation can happen independently from hunger, suggesting that stress or anticipation might also play a role. Additionally, if your saliva production increases while you are experiencing other symptoms like burning in your mouth or changes in your taste, it might indicate an underlying condition affecting your oral or systemic health. Most of the time, extra saliva is not harmful, but if it is sudden and bothersome, or if it causes difficulties in swallowing or speaking, consider discussing it with a healthcare provider. They can review your medications, evaluate your overall health, and help determine if any further steps are needed to manage the saliva increase.