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VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Katarzyna Wieczorek-Szukała, MD, PhD, medical biotechnologist, Medical University of Lodz

Saliva is one of the secretions of our body, the presence of which we do not pay attention to on a daily basis. It has extremely important protective and antibacterial functions - it also helps in the proper digestion of food. Disturbances in the density and composition of saliva may not only be burdensome in functioning, but above all indicate hidden diseases. Check what too thick and sticky saliva can mean!

Salivais the secretion produced by the salivary glands in the mouth. It consists mainly of water (approx. 99%) as well as inorganic and organic compounds.

Its most important organic ingredients include :

  • proteins: immunoglobulins, albumin, glycoproteins, digestive enzymes (e.g. salivary amylase),
  • steroid hormones,
  • lipids: e.g. cholesterol, free fatty acids, phospholipids,
  • nitrogen compounds: urea, uric acid, amino acids.

The inorganic constituents of saliva exist mainly in ionic form and their content may vary. These include

  • cations: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium
  • and anions: chloride, fluoride, phosphate or bicarbonate.

Where is saliva produced?

The most saliva is produced by the parotid glands, i.e. the largest paired glands of this type in the mouth. Their opening is on the cheek mucosa near the upper molars.

The second large pair of salivary glands are the submandibular glands, with an opening near the lower incisors. The rest of the saliva is secreted by small, individual salivary glands located on the soft palate.

Our salivary glands secrete up to 1 liter of saliva daily , the vast majority of which is produced during the day, when we are most active.

Functions of saliva

Saliva is not just a substance that moisturizes the inside of the mouth. It performs many functions, the efficient course of which determines good he alth. Proper secretion and composition of saliva ensure the maintenance of hemostasis and the biological balance of the oral microflora.

One of the most important tasks of saliva is to defend against the harmfulpathogens: bacteria, viruses and fungi. This secretion is often the first line of defense against harmful microbes that can enter the body through food or ingestion.

As part of the so-called non-specific immunity, special bactericidal substances and enzymes are contained in saliva, e.g. lysozyme, lactoferrin, histatin, mucins or salivary peroxidase. Additionally, saliva is rich in immunoglobulins, i.e. elements of a specific immune response.

A very important function of saliva is also to aid digestion. It makes it possible to stick and form a food billet, and also makes it easier to swallow.

Amylase present in saliva - an enzyme digesting carbohydrates - allows for the breakdown of nutrients after reaching the oral cavity. As a result, simple sugars (e.g. glucose) are absorbed already in the initial section of the gastrointestinal tract, and the body obtains energy necessary for life processes.

The moist environment of the saliva helps to maintain the integrity of the mucous membranes and gums, also protects the hard tissues of the teeth from abrasion and mechanical wear. An important function of saliva is to maintain the proper pH in the oral cavity, thanks to which it is possible to remineralise the enamel, prevent caries and maintain good condition of the dentition.

Causes of sticky and thick saliva

Disorders of the proper secretion of saliva may refer to two aspects: its excessively abundant secretion (also called drooling) or, on the contrary - reduced or complete lack of it (so-called xerostomia).

Excessive secretion of watery, thin saliva can be a symptom of many diseases, for example:

  • food poisoning,
  • infectious diseases,
  • pharyngitis,
  • bruxism.

Another problem is insufficient salivation. This ailment can be very troublesome, and people affected by it often cannot determine its causes for many months or even years. Patients complain of "thick" saliva, which makes it difficult to swallow or even speak freely.

It should be remembered that the consistency of sticky, thick saliva is only a symptom of other diseases - often on a different basis - and not a disease in itself. In order to determine the nature of the ailment, it will probably be necessary to perform basic diagnostic tests (blood count, urine tests).

Mononucleosis

One of the causes of decreased salivation, and thus increased saliva density, may be, for example, mononucleosis. It is an infectious disease caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

It occurs most often in children and young adults, ainfection occurs after contact with the patient's saliva or discharge from the nasopharynx, which is why mononucleosis is sometimes called the kissing disease.

The disease has little specific symptoms, similar to a cold or bacterial strep throat:

  • headaches,
  • general weakness,
  • enlargement of the lymph nodes,
  • high fever.

When infected with mononucleosis, inflammatory lesions or petechial spots often occur on the palate's mucosa, which can stimulate saliva thickening and discomfort in the mouth.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Thick saliva that makes it difficult to swallow, which usually occurs when you wake up, can also be one of the symptoms of gastro-reflux disease. In this condition, the acid content of the stomach is regularly drawn back into the esophagus, which can result in inflammation and erosion of the mucosa.

At the root of the disease is insufficient tension of the lower esophageal sphincter, which does not "close" the digested food. Symptoms of the disease (e.g. heartburn, shortness of breath, burning in the mouth and esophagus) intensify especially in the morning, when the body is lying for a long time.

Lowering the pH in the mouth can change the consistency of saliva, making it feel too sticky and sticky. It also has a negative impact on the he alth of the teeth, as an acidic reaction increases the risk of tooth decay.

Chronic sinusitis

Inflammation in the paranasal sinuses or tonsils can often take the form of an unhealed, chronic condition, which can also be manifested by excessively thick and sticky saliva.

These types of ailments often appear as complications after a previous flu or a strong cold and are accompanied by, among others :

  • stuffy nose that makes breathing difficult,
  • often green or yellow discharge running down the throat wall,
  • headaches or in the forehead area,
  • loss or impairment of the senses of smell and taste.

Sinusitis, especially in its chronic form, is a relapsing disease that can be treated for a long time.

Other causes of thick saliva

In some cases, our daily habits may be the cause of concentrated saliva. One of the most common negligence is not drinking enough fluids during the day. The dehydration of the body is very quickly reflected in the appearance and functioning of the skin and mucous membranes, including the insufficiently intense work of the salivary glands.

Problems in the form of frequent erosions and inflammation of the cavityoral, with the accompanying thick saliva, often accompany long-term smokers. It has been proven that cigarette smoking causes damage to the mucous membranes of the throat and mouth and impairs their proper regeneration.

The feeling of saliva in the mouth or the drying of the tongue may also be a side effect of some medications (e.g. antiallergic, diuretic, antidepressant or blood pressure lowering drugs) or radiotherapy.

Excessively sticky and thick saliva seemingly seems to be a trivial ailment, but it can significantly reduce the quality of life, hinder sleep and everyday activity. If the problem persists even despite trying to lead a he althier lifestyle and adequate hydration, it is worth considering diagnostics. It will help to determine the genesis of the ailments and take appropriate treatment.

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Category:

Gastrology