Yes, we swallow saliva automatically. This is primarily a reflexive action, happening without conscious effort, particularly between meals and during sleep. Our salivary glands constantly produce saliva, and this reflexive swallowing mechanism prevents excessive saliva buildup in our mouths.
Understanding Automatic Swallowing
An automatic or spontaneous swallow (AS) is defined as a reflexive swallow, typically involving saliva. This occurs without conscious awareness. [6, 26-Jun-2019] Think about it: you constantly produce saliva, yet you don’t actively think about swallowing it every few seconds. This is thanks to this automatic process. The process is involuntary; however, we can consciously initiate swallowing as well. [International OCD Foundation]
The Role of Saliva
Saliva is crucial for swallowing; it moistens food, making it easier to swallow. [Cleveland Clinic] Without sufficient saliva, swallowing becomes nearly impossible. [Cleveland Clinic] The constant production of saliva necessitates the automatic swallowing mechanism to maintain oral comfort and prevent drooling. [Quora]
Contrast with Volitional Swallowing
While saliva swallowing is largely automatic, we also have voluntary control over swallowing. We consciously swallow when we eat and drink. Research on cerebral cortical representation distinguishes between automatic and volitional swallowing. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] For instance, consider the difference between automatically swallowing saliva and consciously swallowing a mouthful of water. Both involve the same basic act, but the trigger and control differ.
Exceptions and Considerations
While generally automatic, some individuals might experience difficulties. For instance, those with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) may struggle with swallowing saliva or other substances safely. [NIDCD] Additionally, during sleep, the automatic swallowing mechanism is less active, sometimes leading to drooling. [Reddit] Children learning to control their saliva production and swallowing often dribble until they master this involuntary reflex. [Indiana gov]
