What Are the Common Causes of Hot Saliva?

Hot saliva, or the feeling of hot saliva, is often caused by acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems. This is usually caused by acid or stomach bile moving upward into the esophagus and mouth. Saliva may also feel hot when one has a fever, is about to vomit, or after eating very spicy foods. Other symptoms may also be present when it is caused by gastrointestinal issues. In other cases, excessive or hot saliva may be the first or only symptom noticed.

Reflux disorders are commonly associated with feeling the saliva is hot. This is a condition in which stomach acid moves upwards into the esophagus. Reflux can be caused by a weakened esophageal sphincter muscle. This muscle usually holds acid down in the stomach, but when it becomes weak, the acid is allowed to rise into the throat. When this happens, it can mix with saliva and cause a burning sensation in the throat and mouth.

Other gastrointestinal problems can also lead to saliva that feels hot. Sometimes one may throw up a small amount of stomach bile due to problems with certain organs, such as the gallbladder. Bile may be yellow in color, but some may also confuse it with saliva. This is especially easy to do when the bile combines with saliva once inside the mouth. It is also possible to vomit bile if the stomach is empty due to lack of eating or to excessive vomiting. Many individuals report feeling excessive and warm saliva just prior to throwing up, so it may also be related to nausea and vomiting.

Other times, eating spicy foods can lead to hot saliva. After eating certain peppers or spices the entire mouth can feel heated, including the saliva. This is temporary, and the hot feeling will go away on its own after several minutes. The duration of this sensation will depend on how spicy the food is and how much was eaten. Sometimes eating or drinking something mild after the spicy food can help. This can include drinking milk or water, or eating saltine crackers.

Many gastrointestinal causes of hot saliva also lead to other symptoms. These can include heartburn, sour stomach, nausea, vomiting, rumbling in the stomach, cramps, and diarrhea. Those who experience one or more of these symptoms for more than a few days should consult a licensed healthcare professional. If symptoms are severe, they should be checked by a physician if they last more than a few hours. Most conditions are treatable with dietary changes and medication.