Saliva production is primarily regulated by the autonomic nervous system. This means we don't consciously control how much saliva we produce. The system's two branches, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, have distinct effects:
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Parasympathetic stimulation: This branch leads to the production of abundant, watery saliva. Think of the increased saliva production when you smell delicious food – this is your parasympathetic system at work.
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Sympathetic stimulation: This branch results in less saliva, which is thicker and more viscous. This is often seen during stressful situations or times of "fight or flight".
Beyond the nervous system, other factors influence saliva production, including:
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Hormones: Certain hormones can affect saliva flow.
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Medications: Some medications can have a drying effect (causing xerostomia or dry mouth), while others can increase saliva production. Examples include Glycopyrrolate and Propantheline (used to manage excessive saliva in conditions like ALS). See ALS Association Resource
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Medical conditions: Conditions like Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, and certain neurological disorders can impact saliva control, often leading to excessive drooling. See MSA Trust Resource on Saliva Control See RCH resource on Saliva Control in Children
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Diet: Specific foods and drinks can stimulate saliva production.
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Cannabinoid receptors: Research suggests that cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the salivary glands play a role in regulating salivation. See Scientific Reports Article
Saliva controls, like those used in laboratory settings for quality control of saliva tests (e.g., cortisol and cortisone levels), are crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these tests. See Chromsystems Saliva Controls
The autonomic nervous system plays a central role in regulating the quantity and quality of saliva produced, but various other physiological and external factors also contribute.
