Although excessive saliva is not too common, there are a number of conditions that can cause it - some harmless, others more serious. It is possible that your saliva problems are just a result of the way you speak. Some people speak faster or slower than others, just as some people blink more often, breathe faster, or have a more rapid heartbeat. This may just be what's normal for you. Since it is negatively affecting your life, however, I would inquire about it with a medical and/or dental professional. A competent dentist - or possibly an ear, nose, and throat physician - can look into what might be causing the excessive saliva you're experiencing.

Just as background, there are some medical conditions that can cause excessive saliva, including Parkinson's disease, Bell's palsy, rabies, and even poisoning. Sometimes excessive saliva is caused by facial paralysis, as in Bell's palsy. Parkinson's disease, which can cause an overstimulation of the nerves as well as muscles and glandular tissue, can also result in an increase in salivary flow. Additionally, a very bad sore throat or sores in the mouth may lead to difficulty swallowing, which can cause saliva to accumulate.

A category of drugs known as anticholinergics, which block some of the nerve impulses to the cholinergic nerve, can reduce salivary flow. Such drugs are often used by patients with Parkinson's disease. Before you can think about this type of treatment, however, it's important that you see a dentist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine whether your saliva is in fact excessive.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Dental Health Center.