In recent weeks I have noticed at odd times that the area under my chin* is wet. Then I noticed that I have been wiping the corners of my mouth more often with my hand, but if I’m focused on some task I apparently don’t notice that saliva is accumulating, and apparently I can’t feel it making its way down my lower face. I only discover it when I happen to stroke my chin.
Years and years ago I had a woman boss in her early 60’s who, if she talked for very long, would start accumulating saliva in the corners of her mouth, and soon there would be little bubbles frothing away. How we laughed (behind her back). Now apparently it’s my turn.
In my analytical way, I wonder what might have changed to cause this, some kind of weakening of muscle tone in my face or something. Wearing a full face CPAP mask for over 25 years? Some new drug or supplement I am taking? This surely doesn’t happen to everyone as they age, does it?
*Specifically, in the V of my chin in front of my neck. Apparently this is immediately beneath the mylohyoid muscle.
eta: I should mention that I have always found it difficult to breathe through my nose due to allergies, so I am often a mouth breather. This has been the case my whole life, drooling has not.