Gleeking Explained: What It Is and Why It Happens

You’re mid-yawn or deep in conversation, and suddenly a stream of saliva shoots out from under your tongue like a mini water fountain. Embarrassing? Absolutely. But also surprisingly normal. This odd bodily function, known as gleeking, has gone from social faux pas to TikTok trend. But what exactly causes it, and is it ever something to worry about?

What Is Gleeking?

Gleeking is the involuntary or voluntary projection of saliva from the submandibular and sublingual glands located underneath your tongue. Unlike spitting, which involves your lungs and lips, gleeking happens when pressure builds beneath the tongue, forcing a narrow jet of saliva out of the ducts near your frenulum the small fold of tissue that anchors your tongue to the bottom of your mouth.

It’s usually a harmless party trick (or an accidental one), but for some, frequent gleeking may signal underlying health issues.

What Causes Accidental Gleeking?

Gleeking typically occurs when your mouth produces excess saliva and then, without you realizing it, pressure is applied to the floor of your mouth. This often happens when you:

• Yawn

• Eat or chew food

• Talk or stretch your tongue

• Press your tongue against your palate

In these moments, the salivary glands may get squeezed just enough to launch a small stream of saliva no warning required.

Can You Gleek on Purpose?

Yes, and if you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen people demonstrating this skill as part of viral challenges.

While techniques vary, most involve a combination of saliva buildup, jaw movement, and tongue flexing. Here are a few tips if you’re curious to try it yourself:

• Generate saliva by yawning, sucking on sour candy, or chewing on the tip of your tongue.

• Stick your lower jaw out, press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then pull your jaw back while maintaining pressure.

• Suck air under your tongue, then quickly press your tongue to your palate to release the saliva.

While not everyone can gleek on command, most people have the anatomical ability it just takes practice (and a little finesse).

Is Gleeking Normal or a Sign of Something Else?

Occasional gleeking is completely normal and harmless. It doesn’t indicate disease, poor hygiene, or anything concerning in most cases.

However, frequent or uncontrollable gleeking could be caused by hypersalivation, or excessive saliva production. This condition may stem from:

• Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, ALS, or multiple sclerosis

• Infections such as strep throat, tonsillitis, sinusitis, or mono

• Pregnancy-related nausea

• Certain medications, including those for epilepsy or mental health

• GERD (acid reflux)

• Allergies or toxic exposures (e.g., pesticides or venom)

If gleeking becomes disruptive or is accompanied by other symptoms like trouble swallowing or drooling, talk to your healthcare provider.

How to Prevent Accidental Gleeking

If you’ve had one too many embarrassing moments at the dinner table, here are some tips to reduce the chances of accidental gleeking:

• Stay hydrated, which promotes smoother swallowing

• Practice regular swallowing, especially when talking or eating

• Maintain good oral hygiene to avoid blockages or infections

• Avoid over-stimulating saliva with sour or sugary foods

• Be mindful of tongue and jaw movements that put pressure on your salivary glands

There’s even a free app called Swallow Prompt that can remind you to swallow throughout the day perfect for anyone trying to gain better control over their salivary reflexes.

Gleeking vs. Spitting: What's the Difference?

While both involve saliva leaving the mouth, they’re mechanically very different:

• Gleeking is a passive reflex, usually caused by pressure under the tongue

• Spitting is an active process involving your lips, cheeks, throat, and lungs to expel saliva forcefully

Spitting can be useful for example, to expel toothpaste or gum while gleeking is more of a reflex or novelty.

Gleeking may be an unexpected bodily quirk, but it's usually nothing to worry about. Whether you're mastering it as a fun trick or trying to avoid it altogether, understanding the how and why behind gleeking can help you manage those awkward sprays and appreciate the fascinating mechanics of your body.

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