Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 2/6/2006

Question
Hello Mr. Dalin,

I am 34 years old and I have a problem of spitting on people when I talk. I have just noticed it within the past 2 years, because I notice that sometimes people wipe their face after I talk.  I don't have gapped teeth or any type of dental problems.  I have all of my teeth but I did have my bottom wisdom teeth taken out 4 years ago.  

I hope that you don't consider it a dumb question but I am a bit concerned. It is rather embarrassing. I was wondering if you could give me some advice on what you might think the problem could be.  It my not be a dental one but I didn't know who else to ask.

Thank you for your time,
Victoria  

Answer
Victoria
This is a tough problem to figure out. If you have not had any dental work done recently then this is not a dental issue. Your teeth are the same now as they were over the years previously when you did not "spray".

Are you taking any medications that make your salivary flow any different? This would be the next thing to look into: salivary flow. Are you chewing gum more now? Or doing mints? These things stimulate extra saliva.

Just try to make sure that when you talk, you talk slowly. If you are talking too quickly, sometimes this can occur.

These are all of my ideas for you. See if anything hits home.

Good luck,

Jeff Dalin DDS