I don't wear my dentures because of it . But if I can gum it I can eat it.
March 3
What causes excessive salivation in Parkinson's disease?
Excessive salivation, often called drooling, is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease. It's not usually because you're producing more saliva, but rather because swallowing becomes more difficult.
Parkinson's affects the coordination of muscles in your mouth and Show Full Answer
What causes excessive salivation in Parkinson's disease?
Excessive salivation, often called drooling, is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease. It's not usually because you're producing more saliva, but rather because swallowing becomes more difficult.
Parkinson's affects the coordination of muscles in your mouth and throat. This makes it harder to swallow saliva automatically throughout the day, so it can pool in your mouth and lead to drooling.
The loss of dopamine neurons in different parts of the brain affects muscle coordination needed for swallowing. This is why many people with Parkinson's experience both drooling and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
How can you manage it?
Working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help. They can:
- Evaluate your swallowing difficulties
- Suggest exercises to improve muscle control
- Recommend strategies to manage saliva better
Talk to your neurologist about this symptom. They can refer you to an SLP who specializes in swallowing problems and can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Some people find that adjusting Parkinson's medications can also help improve swallowing function, which may reduce drooling.
February 25
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