Foamy saliva, or frothing at the mouth, usually indicates a serious medical problem requiring immediate medical attention. It happens when excess saliva mixes with air.
Common Causes of Foamy Saliva:
Several conditions can cause foamy saliva. These range from relatively mild issues to life-threatening emergencies.
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Dry Mouth: As mentioned by Espire Dental, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a frequent cause of foamy saliva. The reduced saliva volume can lead to increased concentration of proteins, resulting in a frothy appearance. The foam may accumulate at the corners of your mouth or coat your tongue.
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Serious Medical Conditions: Medical News Today and Healthline highlight several serious causes including:
- Drug overdose: An excessive amount of certain drugs can trigger excessive salivation leading to foaming.
- Seizures: During seizures, excessive salivation is common, often resulting in foamy saliva.
- Pulmonary edema: Fluid buildup in the lungs can lead to foamy saliva due to the overflow of fluids.
- Rabies: This severe viral infection is known to cause foaming at the mouth.
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Other Potential Causes: Further contributing factors, as listed by Colgate, include:
- Sjogren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that affects the moisture-producing glands.
- Cancer of the salivary glands: Tumors can disrupt normal salivary function.
- Diabetes: Can lead to dry mouth and subsequent foamy saliva.
- Stroke: Can sometimes cause excessive salivation.
- Oral thrush (yeast infection): An overgrowth of Candida fungus in the mouth can sometimes contribute to foamy saliva.
When to Seek Medical Help:
Because foamy saliva can signal a life-threatening condition, immediate medical attention is crucial if you experience it unexpectedly. Do not attempt self-treatment.
