What Causes Excess Saliva Production With Foul Odor?

Posted on Fri, 13 Jan 2017

Question: I wake up with a foul smelling drool in my cheek and pillow, it is foamy and brownish. I have to change my pillow everyday. Sleeping almost sitting contains the drool, but I still get a very bad breath and weird taste in my mouth. This saliva appears to be more viscous than normal. This started three weeks ago. Additional information: I've suffered for some years from a serious case of sleep apnea, gastric reflux and gastritis, and also gingivitis.

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi not much to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
Thank you for your query.
I understand your concern.
Excess salvation could be related to either excess saliva production or poor dental hygiene or impaired swallowing of saliva in night.
Worthwhile getting an dental checkup done to improve your dental hygiene.
In addition need to treat your sleep apnea by weight reduction regular exercise reduction calorie intake which will help drooling too.
At times it could be related to reflux also so in addition to an antacid like pantoprazole at night before meals an prokinetic like itopride or Domperidone which are available over the counter can be taken before dinner after consulting your physician.
Also sleeping in 30 degrees propped up position can help to reduce reflux too.
Can discuss with your physician if changing venlaflaxine you are taking to another drug like tryptomer might help but may cause weight gain too.
In addition oral and tongue exercises as per consultation with physiotherapist and ent specialist will help too.
Hope this answers your questions.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
Happy to help.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng