Yes, we do swallow saliva.
Humans swallow many things throughout the day, including food, liquids, medicine, and, importantly, saliva. The act of swallowing is a necessary and frequent process for managing these substances. We swallow hundreds of times each day.
Swallowing Frequency
The frequency of swallowing varies based on different activities:
- During sleep: We swallow approximately three times an hour.
- While awake: We swallow about once per minute.
- During meals: We swallow even more frequently when eating.
The act of swallowing ensures that the liquids and fluids we generate, such as saliva, are managed and do not accumulate. This keeps our mouths and digestive systems functioning properly.
In summary, swallowing saliva is a natural and crucial part of our daily bodily functions.