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You swallow hundreds of times a day
Most swallows have nothing to do with food. They are your own saliva.
Awaiting clinical review. This page is written from general, widely accepted background on how eating and swallowing work. It has not yet been signed off by a named clinician, and it is not a substitute for asking one.
About once a minute
In one study, healthy adults aged 18 to 39 swallowed about once a minute while sitting awake. Adults over 60 swallowed about half as often.
Either way, over a waking day, that adds up to hundreds of swallows.
Most of them are saliva
Your salivary glands make about half a liter to a liter and a half of saliva a day. That is roughly 2 to 6 cups.
You swallow it in small amounts, all day, without noticing.
Saliva is busy
- It wets food so you can chew and swallow it.
- It helps you taste.
- It protects your teeth and gums.
- It keeps your mouth comfortable and moist.
When you start noticing
Most swallows happen without a thought. Once you pay attention, you may notice every one. That is normal, and it usually fades.
If swallowing your own saliva feels hard, or it hurts, that is worth telling a doctor.
When this is worth asking about
- You cannot swallow your own saliva. Get urgent care.
- Swallowing saliva hurts, or feels blocked.
- You drool more than before, or your mouth is often very dry.
