What is spraying saliva called? Exploring the Phenomenon of Gleeking

While many people have experienced accidentally spraying saliva from under their tongue, the specific term for this action is known as gleeking. This often surprising and involuntary bodily function is generally harmless, though it can be an embarrassing moment for some.

Quick Summary

Spraying saliva, particularly in a stream from under the tongue, is most commonly referred to as "gleeking." This phenomenon occurs due to pressure applied to the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.

Key Points

• Gleeking Definition: The specific term for spraying saliva from the ducts located under the tongue is gleeking.

• Involuntary Action: Most people experience gleeking by accident, often triggered by movements like yawning or eating.

• Salivary Gland Mechanics: The spray originates from pressure on the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands, forcing saliva out of their ducts.

• Gleeking vs. Spitting: Gleeking is a focused jet from under the tongue, while spitting is a more forceful expulsion of general saliva from the mouth.

• Associated Health Conditions: While normally harmless, frequent accidental gleeking can sometimes indicate conditions like hypersalivation, GERD, or certain neurological disorders.

• Prevention Techniques: Simple methods to reduce accidental gleeking include swallowing saliva more frequently, staying hydrated, and being mindful of tongue placement during speech and yawning.

Understanding the Term: Gleeking

While some may simply call it "spitting," the specific act of spraying saliva from under the tongue is technically known as gleeking. This term describes the projection of a thin jet of saliva that can be done deliberately or, more often, occurs by accident. The phenomenon became widely known thanks to pop culture references and viral social media trends where individuals showcase their ability to gleek on command. However, for most, it is an involuntary reflex.

The term "gleeking" itself is considered informal. While there is no official medical term for this specific action, the underlying bodily processes involve normal functions of the salivary glands. For those experiencing frequent or involuntary saliva discharge, the term hypersalivation (excessive saliva production) or drooling (ptyalism) may be more medically relevant, but these describe broader conditions rather than the specific, pressurized spray of a gleek.

The Anatomy Behind the Spray: Salivary Glands

To understand gleeking, one must first be familiar with the salivary glands located in the mouth. The human mouth contains three major pairs of salivary glands, along with hundreds of minor ones. The spray of saliva associated with gleeking originates from the submandibular and sublingual glands, which are situated on the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. These glands release saliva through small ducts. When certain movements or pressures occur, the saliva within these ducts can be forced out in a pressurized stream.

The Role of the Ducts

• Wharton's Ducts: These are the primary ducts for the submandibular glands. They open into the floor of the mouth, just behind the lower front teeth. Pressure on these glands is a key factor in gleeking.
• Bartholin's Ducts: These are the ducts for the sublingual glands. The location of these ducts, combined with their intricate relationship with the submandibular ducts, means that pressure in this area can easily lead to a forceful, directed stream of saliva.

Common Causes of Accidental Gleeking

Many people experience an accidental gleek without ever trying to produce one. This can often happen during seemingly normal activities. Understanding the triggers can help individuals manage and reduce the frequency of unintentional gleeking.

• Yawning: The powerful muscular contractions during a yawn can compress the salivary glands, particularly those under the tongue, forcing a spray of saliva. This is one of the most common ways people accidentally gleek.
• Eating and Talking: Vigorous or rapid movements of the tongue and jaw while eating, chewing, or speaking can put pressure on the salivary ducts, causing saliva to be expelled unexpectedly.
• Certain Foods: Eating sour or very sweet foods can trigger a heightened salivary response. The increased volume of saliva, combined with mouth movements, can increase the chances of a gleek.
• Dental Procedures: At the dentist's office, the use of suction tools and the manipulation of the mouth can sometimes trigger an involuntary gleek, much to the embarrassment of the patient.

How to Reduce Accidental Saliva Spray

For those who find involuntary saliva sprays embarrassing, several strategies can help minimize their occurrence. These methods focus on controlling saliva production and tongue movement.

1. Swallow Frequently: Making a conscious effort to swallow before speaking, especially during long conversations, can help manage excess saliva buildup.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day can prevent the thicker, more viscous saliva that can be harder to control. Sipping regularly encourages swallowing.
3. Mindful Tongue Placement: Practice keeping your tongue in a relaxed position, away from the roof of your mouth and the area of the salivary ducts, especially when yawning or speaking.
4. Avoid Excessive Sugar: Reducing intake of very sweet or sour foods and candies can help control the rate of saliva production.

Is Gleeking a Sign of a Health Problem?

In most cases, occasional, accidental gleeking is a normal and harmless bodily quirk. It's a testament to the efficient functioning of the salivary glands. However, persistent and uncontrollable gleeking, or the feeling of having excessive saliva (hypersalivation), could sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

These can include:

• Allergies: Sinus and allergy issues can sometimes affect saliva production and swallowing reflexes.
• GERD/Acid Reflux: Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause excess saliva production as the body tries to neutralize stomach acid.
• Medication Side Effects: Some medications can cause an increase in saliva production as a side effect.
• Neurological Conditions: In rare cases, conditions affecting the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, or a stroke, can interfere with normal swallowing and muscle control, leading to drooling or spraying saliva. Verywell Health provides an excellent overview of potential causes.

If involuntary gleeking is a persistent concern or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's advisable to consult a doctor or dentist to rule out any underlying issues.

Gleeking vs. Spitting: A Quick Comparison

It is important to differentiate gleeking from general spitting, as the mechanisms and control differ.

Feature	Gleeking	Spitting
Source	Submandibular and sublingual glands under the tongue.	General saliva from the mouth, often mixed with other substances.
Mechanism	Pressure on the salivary ducts, typically from tongue or jaw movement.	Forcible expulsion of air and saliva using lung and mouth muscles.
Appearance	A thin, jet-like stream.	A larger, more dispersed spray or ball of saliva.
Control	Often accidental and involuntary, though can be practiced.	Usually a deliberate, forceful action.

Conclusion: A Natural, Though Sometimes Awkward, Bodily Function

So, what is spraying saliva called? The answer is gleeking, a common and usually harmless physiological phenomenon. For most, it's a minor, accidental event triggered by a yawn or a vigorous mouthful of food. While the unintentional spray can be a source of temporary embarrassment, it is generally not a cause for concern. For those who experience it more frequently or persistently, identifying the triggers and practicing simple control techniques can help. In rare cases where an underlying health issue is suspected, a consultation with a healthcare professional can provide reassurance and appropriate guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gleeking normal or a sign of a health issue?

For most people, occasional, accidental gleeking is a normal bodily function and not a cause for concern. Persistent or frequent, uncontrollable gleeking could sometimes be linked to underlying issues like excessive saliva production (hypersalivation), but this is uncommon.

Can you stop yourself from gleeking accidentally?

You can reduce the likelihood of accidental gleeking by being mindful of your tongue and mouth movements, especially when yawning or eating. Swallowing saliva more frequently and staying hydrated can also help manage the issue.

What causes the involuntary spray of saliva?

The involuntary spray of saliva, or gleeking, is caused by pressure on the salivary glands and ducts located under your tongue. Movements like yawning, eating, or even speaking can cause this compression, expelling the saliva in a stream.

What is the difference between gleeking and normal spitting?

Gleeking is the specific expulsion of a jet of saliva from under the tongue, often involuntarily. Normal spitting is a deliberate action that uses a different muscle mechanism to expel a broader spray of saliva from the mouth.

Why does saliva sometimes spray out when I yawn?

When you yawn, the muscles in your jaw and mouth contract powerfully. This motion can compress the submandibular and sublingual glands under your tongue, causing saliva to be forcefully ejected from their ducts.

Can everyone gleek on command?

No, not everyone can gleek on command. It is a skill that some people can learn to do by applying specific tongue and jaw movements, but many people are only able to do it by accident.

Is excessive saliva a sign of an illness?

While temporary increases in saliva can be caused by certain foods or medications, persistent excessive saliva (hypersalivation) can be a symptom of underlying health issues like GERD, allergies, infections, or certain neurological conditions. It is best to consult a doctor if it is a persistent problem.