What is the difference between saliva and drool? - briefly
Saliva is a natural bodily fluid produced by the salivary glands in the mouth, which plays a crucial role in digestion, oral health, and speech. Drool, on the other hand, refers to the uncontrolled flow of saliva from the mouth, often associated with conditions such as teething in infants or certain medical conditions like Parkinson's disease.
What is the difference between saliva and drool? - in detail
Saliva and drool are both bodily fluids produced in the mouth, but they differ in several key aspects.
Saliva is a clear, slightly alkaline fluid that plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and hygiene. It is primarily produced by the salivary glands, which include the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Saliva serves multiple functions: it aids in digestion by breaking down food particles, helps in swallowing by lubricating the mouth and throat, and contains enzymes that prevent tooth decay. Additionally, saliva has antibacterial properties, helping to protect against oral infections.
Drool, on the other hand, is an uncontrolled flow of saliva from the mouth. It typically occurs when a person is unable to swallow saliva properly due to various reasons such as sleep, unconsciousness, or certain medical conditions like Parkinson's disease or cerebral palsy. Drooling can also happen during infancy and early childhood as part of normal development, but it usually decreases with age as the child learns to control their swallowing reflex.
In summary, while saliva is the naturally produced fluid in the mouth that serves essential functions, drool refers to the uncontrolled outflow of this fluid from the mouth, often due to an inability to swallow effectively.