An excess secretion of saliva.
The secretion of saliva by the salivary glands of the mouth, increased in response to the chewing action of the jaws or to the thought, taste, smell, or sight of food. A small but regular flow of saliva is maintained to promote cleanliness in the mouth even when food is not being eaten.
An overabundance of salivary secretion, which can result from mercury poisoning, the use of pilocarpine (a medication), or emotional upheavals. In cases of severe mercury poisoning, it may lead to gum ulceration and tooth mobility. This condition is also referred to as ptyalism, ptyalorrhea, sialism, or sialismus.