Several treatments can help manage a wet mouth, also known as excessive saliva or sialorrhea. These methods aim to reduce saliva production and improve comfort.
Treatments for Excessive Saliva
Here's a breakdown of the treatments, drawing from the provided references:
Medications
- Anticholinergics: Certain medications like scopolamine, glycopyrrolate, and atropine sulfate can be prescribed. These drugs work by reducing the activity of the nerves that stimulate saliva production.
- How they work: These medications block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for activating salivary glands.
Injections
- Botulinum Toxin A (Botox®) Injections: Botox injections can be administered directly into the salivary glands to temporarily paralyze the muscles involved in saliva production. This reduces the amount of saliva produced.
- Temporary Relief: The effects are not permanent, and repeat injections are usually required.
Therapies
- Motor Therapy: This involves exercises and techniques to improve swallowing and oral muscle control, which can help manage saliva buildup.
- Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-fitted dental devices can assist with swallowing and positioning the mouth to minimize the pooling of saliva.
More Invasive Methods
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options to remove or redirect salivary glands may be considered.
- Radiation Therapy: Low doses of radiation can sometimes be used to reduce the activity of salivary glands. This is usually reserved for extreme cases due to potential side effects.
Summary of Treatments
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Medications | Anticholinergic drugs to reduce saliva production. |
| Botox Injections | Injections into salivary glands to temporarily reduce saliva production. |
| Motor Therapy | Exercises to improve swallowing and oral control. |
| Oral Appliance Therapy | Dental devices to assist with swallowing and saliva management. |
| Surgery | Removal or redirection of salivary glands. |
| Radiation Therapy | Low doses of radiation to reduce salivary gland activity. |
