What Are the Causes of Sticky Saliva?
Sticky saliva is often caused by reduced saliva secretion in the mouth, leading to saliva becoming concentrated and viscous. In such cases, increasing water intake can help. Although there is no strict rule for daily water intake, drinking an appropriate amount of water is recommended. Xerostomia can also cause sticky saliva, which is caused by imbalanced estrogen secretion in the body. Additionally, patients with Sjogren's syndrome may also experience sticky saliva.
Saliva contains oxygen. Due to oral dryness and sticky saliva, the oxygen content in the mouth decreases, creating an anaerobic environment for bacteria and other microorganisms. Therefore, symptoms such as difficulty breathing or sticky saliva may occur in the morning. In such cases, taking Shengdihuang decoction and drinking more water before bedtime can help.
When there are problems with the spleen and kidney, it can also lead to sticky saliva. Improving the condition through dietary therapy can be effective. Eating more kidney-tonifying foods such as leek, black sesame, lamb, and eggs, paying attention to dietary adjustments, eating light and easy-to-digest foods, and drinking more water can help. Western or traditional Chinese medicine can also be used for regulation, but excessive medication should be avoided.
If sticky saliva is accompanied by a feeling of a foreign body in the nasal cavity, it may indicate symptoms of chronic rhinitis. Rhinitis is difficult to cure completely, and apart from medication, exercise such as running can help strengthen the function of the heart, lungs, and nasal cavity, enhancing their resistance. Washing the face with warm water first and then rinsing with cold water in the morning can also be effective for treating rhinitis.
When the body experiences dehydration or abnormal metabolism, various symptoms may appear, including sticky saliva. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in physical exercise regularly.