Spit and drooling do not necessarily bring about pleasing thoughts. However mouthwatering implies delicious, tasteful thoughts. Saliva (spit) is the secretion produced by the salivary glands. There are three major pairs of glands and numerous other smaller glands in the mouth. The nerves of the autonomic nervous system (we can’t control these nerves) tell the glands how much saliva to make and what’s in it.
Saliva made from modified salivary glands are found in many bird and mammal species. The venom glands of venomous snakes, Gila monsters and some shrews are modified salivary glands. Some insects’ salivary glands make glues or silk, or are a part of the process of making honey. Birds use saliva in nest building like glue and water protection, some for feeding by moistening and aiding in digestion and preening their feathers.
Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) while transitioning from land to sea lost a number of genes that make saliva and their salivary glands are shrunken or nonexistent.
Human babies are making saliva at birth and this becomes very apparent about 3-6 months of age. Adult human salivary glands can secrete about 5 cups of saliva a day. Saliva consists of many proteins that lubricate and protect the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. They help maintain tooth structure by cleansing with the flow and protecting the enamel. Saliva can prevent germ growth and has immunoglobulin A which works against bacteria that form dental plaque. Saliva contains enzymes such as amylase and ptyalin which help digest starch into glucose, maltose, and dextrin starting digestion before it reaches the stomach.`
As all parents know drooling and blowing bubbles is common in babies. Most children stop drooling around 12-15 months. Some children that have problems with their oral motor skills may not be able to direct the saliva to the back of the mouth to be swallowed and continue to drool. If this persists as a problem discuss it with your physician.
When should a parent or caregiver be worried about drooling? If an ill child with a sore throat has excessive drooling and difficulty breathing call 911 immediately as it may be a life-threatening emergency called epiglottis. Thanks to vaccines this is less common today.
A second more common threat is choking. If the child is noticed to be suddenly drooling, can’t speak and is having trouble breathing, they may be choking on food or a foreign object. Call 911 and follow first aid procedures, starting the Heimlich maneuver and CPR. It is best if you become certified in CPR. There are CPR classes given by the American Red Cross. They are also offered online (https//www.redcross.org) and they offer classes on CPR for infants and children. Older children can also be certified. I suggest that you should do this today before there is an emergency. Amazing as saliva is, in these cases, it can only tell you there is a problem.
by Sally Robinson, MD Clinical Professor
Keeping Kids Healthy
Published 07/24