Why does saliva get thick

In these cases, the best solution is to see your doctor. You may need an antifungal prescription. Bitter saliva can also raise red flags. Acid reflux increases the acidity of your mouth, and can actually wear away teeth and cause cavities. Spit can also be a bellwether for more serious diseases.

Doug Granger, the director of the study, explains that saliva has been used since the s as a viable alternative to blood and urine samples. In fact, decades-old research published in the New England Journal of Medicine provided evidence that the molecules found in saliva are actually connected to HIV. There is research underway to measure glucose levels in saliva to help in diabetes management, at least according to research from Purdue University.

A sour taste in your mouth could be linked to reflux, in which the stomach acid bubbles up the throat leaving a bitter residue on the tongue. If your spit feels tacky, that could be a result of mouth breathing which can point to issues like sleep apnea. Of course, regular oral hygiene and mouthwash can improve taste and help kill other germs in the mouth.

Written by. Related articles. Nov Week of Nov. Oct Is Sticky or Thick Saliva a Problem? Having sticky saliva can be uncomfortable. Your mouth may feel full of mucus or you may find it difficult to swallow.

Along with discomfort, thicker saliva can contribute to other problems in your mouth. But as the State Government of Victoria notes, a dry mouth full of thick saliva can put you at a higher risk of tooth decay and other oral diseases. In combination with speaking to a medical professional, there are a few things you can try at home to thin your saliva:. If your thick saliva persists despite these at-home remedies, your doctor or dentist can recommend next steps to help you feel more comfortable.

Dry mouth is one symptom of dehydration, and your saliva may thicken in response to the lack of fluids in your body. Your throat and nose produce mucus to filter foreign matter, keep nasal membranes moist, and fight infection.

But sometimes, your body produces excess mucus, particularly if you catch a cold or have seasonal allergies. When you have postnasal drip or a stuffy nose, it can cause you to breathe through your mouth, which then causes your mouth to dry out and your saliva to thicken.

There are multiple medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that can cause thick saliva. The hormone changes that happen during pregnancy can cause you to develop thicker saliva.

Some women even experience hyper salivation or sialorrhea. Masses of crystallized minerals sometimes form in your salivary glands. This can inhibit saliva production and thicken the saliva that is produced.