Many people with Parkinson’s experience problems with saliva control, which can lead to drooling or dribbling.
We produce an average of 1.5 litres of saliva a day and normally we swallow this unconsciously however what can happen with Parkinson’s is that automatic swallow just does not happen often enough and therefore you may end up with the feeling of excess saliva in your mouth.
Excessive saliva and drooling can feel annoying and often embarrassing. However, there are ways you can help manage drooling and saliva control.
Veronica Clark, an independent speech and language therapist specialising in Parkinson’s and founder of Veronica Clark Speech Therapy Services, has approved this advice.
Advice and tips for managing saliva control and drooling problems in Parkinson’s
1. Take little sips, often
Take regular sips of water. This helps to ‘wash down’ the saliva with fluids.
2. Focus on swallowing
Make a conscious effort to swallow saliva often. Leave reminders around the house to help you do this or use or use the feeling of excess saliva as a prompt to take that intentional swallow. There are also apps like Swallow Prompt which can beep or vibrate at set intervals to remind you when you need to swallow.
3. Work those muscles
Make strong swallows during the day to exercise the swallowing muscles and to get rid of excess saliva.
4. Think about your posture
Posture can really make a difference when it comes to saliva control and trying to manage drooling. Try to sit upright and keep your head up – this will help saliva flow to the back of your throat where it can be swallowed. Try to keep your lips closed and breath from your nose.
5. Chew gum
If you have good mouth and swallowing control, chew gum or suck on a sweet. This will remind you to swallow as well as reduce the build-up of saliva in your mouth.
6. Brush your teeth regularly
While it won’t necessarily help to manage drooling, it’s very important to clean your mouth and brush your teeth regularly – particularly after meals – to protect against infections that can set in as a result of stale saliva in the mouth.
7. Try lip seal exercises
There are simple exercises you can try at home which help to improve lip seal. Do each exercise (ideally in front of the mirror) for a count of four, then relax and try to repeat at least five times:
- Close your lips as tightly as you can
- Hold a wide smile
- Hold your lips as if you are going to kiss someone or blow a whistle.
Another exercise to fit into your day is to try sitting for five minutes with a lolly stick or pen held between your lips and swallow every 30 seconds.
If drooling is excessive or affecting quality of life, speak to your doctor about medical treatments that you may be eligible to receive like injections into your salivary glands delivered every few months to reduce the production of saliva thus making it easier to control. Your speech therapist can also help to advise on which strategies might work best for you.
