You might not realise it, but saliva is essential for both digestion and our oral health. It helps to break down food while we chew, and it protects our teeth from decay by washing away food particles and neutralising harmful acids.
However, if your saliva looks different to normal, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Normal saliva is thin and watery, so foamy saliva can be a cause for concern. In appearance, foamy white saliva is thicker, frothier, and cloudier than normal.
Here, we will explore the causes of foamy saliva, how you can treat it, and how to prevent it from happening again.
What is healthy saliva?
Healthy saliva is 99% water, but it also contains minerals, proteins, electrolytes, glucose, enzymes and hormones to help with digestion, prevent infection, and protect your teeth. The consistency of saliva should be thin, watery, and clear.
However, healthy saliva is not the same consistency all the time. The amount of saliva you have is influenced by foods (increased salivation), stress (dry mouth), medications, and long-term factors like age, smoking, and medical conditions.
Unhealthy saliva, on the other hand, might appear thick, foamy, or stringy, with a cloudy or white appearance. It can leave your mouth feeling dry, sticky, or uncomfortable, which can make it difficult to swallow. Dry mouth and foamy saliva often go hand-in-hand, so preventing dry mouth can ease foamy white saliva.
What are the causes of foamy saliva?
There are a few common causes of foamy saliva that are typically nothing to worry about. These includes:
Stress
Nervousness
Dehydration
Breathing through your mouth
Snoring
The above foamy spit causes are usually temporary and can be remedied by drinking water. If you foam at the mouth while sleeping, it is likely you sleep with your mouth open or snore. You can try sleeping with a larger pillow to raise your head, blowing your nose before bed, or taping your mouth closed with a soft mouth patch.
If your dry mouth is not temporary, there are other potential causes of frothy saliva. Other medical conditions that can cause foamy saliva, including:
Thrush – A yeast infection often accompanied by white patches on the tongue. This is common among people with diabetes.
Autoimmune disorders, like Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Alzheimer’s disease
HIV
Diabetes
Stroke
Medications, like anti-depressants, antihistamines, pain killers, decongestants, chemotherapy, and blood pressure medication.
Foamy saliva in adults can also be caused by tobacco and alcohol use.
How to prevent dry mouth and foamy saliva
To ease a foamy mouth, you need to address the root of the problem – a dry mouth. There are some ways to prevent dry mouth and encourage a healthy saliva flow.
For immediate relief:
Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep hydration levels up.
Chew sugar-free gum – Sucking lozenges or chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva flow.
Use a mouthwash designed for dry mouth – Opt for a mouthwash designed to ease dry mouth.
Lifestyle factors to prevent dry mouth:
Maintain good oral hygiene – A healthy mouth produces a healthy saliva flow. Brush your teeth with an oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush twice a day, rinse your mouth with mouthwash, and floss between your teeth daily to maintain a high level of oral hygiene.
Use a humidifier – If you live in dry conditions, using a humidifier at home can keep your mouth hydrated.
If a dry mouth or foamy saliva is a persistent problem, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat dry mouth or identify any underlying health problems causing frequent foamy saliva.
FAQs
Does acid reflux cause foamy spit?
Acid reflux can cause foamy spit or saliva. Saliva can mix with gases from the stomach, creating frothy saliva. However, foamy saliva can be caused by a range of other factors, too.
Can certain foods or beverages cause foamy saliva?
Some foods and beverages can stimulate foamy saliva, like carbonated drinks, dairy products, spicy or acidic foods, foods high in sugar, or alcoholic beverages.
When should I see a doctor about foamy saliva?
If you have persistent or recurring foamy saliva that does not ease by rehydrating with water, you should see your doctor or a medical professional.