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Saliva is produced at a rate of one to two quarts a day according to Alan Carr, D.M.D., of mayoclinic.com. Saliva serves an important purpose in digestion, as it helps to break down food and is produced naturally by the salivary glands. There are external and internal factors that can affect the production of saliva.
Medications
Increased saliva production can be a side effect of the medications clozapine and pilocarpine. A pharmacist can advise if increased saliva production is a side effect of any medications.
Inflammation
Inflammation of the mouth membranes can increase salivation; causes include new dentures or orthodontic braces. Damage to the nerves of the salivary glands are also a cause of increased saliva.
Reflux
Acid reflux in the esophagus can cause salivation. Receptors located in the esophagus sense the acid and signal your salivary glands to produce saliva to help neutralize it.
Infection
Infections are capable of causing salivation. Salivation is your body's attempt at cleaning the area of toxins and bacteria, especially in the oral cavity.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy women may tend to notice an increase in the production of saliva. This can be due to the increase in reflux or from nausea experienced during the pregnancy.
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