So… What Is Gleeking?
Gleeking is the spontaneous ejection of saliva from the sublingual glands located under the tongue. When the muscles of your mouth compress the Wharton’s ducts, a pressurized stream of saliva can shoot out—sometimes up to several feet!
It often happens:
- While yawning or stretching
- During speaking or laughing
- When the tongue presses just right against the floor of the mouth
Some people can gleek on command (usually unintentionally discovered as teens), while others experience it only by accident.
How Does Gleeking Work?
Let’s get anatomical for a moment:
- Your sublingual and submandibular glands are responsible for producing saliva.
- The Wharton’s duct delivers that saliva to your mouth.
- If your tongue presses against this duct just right, it can trigger a stream of saliva—like squeezing a tiny squirt gun.
It’s part anatomy, part reflex, and part mystery.
Is Gleeking Normal?
Yes! Gleeking is a harmless and natural function of your salivary system. It’s not a sign of illness, poor hygiene, or anything dangerous.
In fact, it’s an impressive demonstration of how well your salivary glands work to keep your mouth moist and ready for digestion.
A Bonus Weird Dental Fact
The word gleek has been around for centuries—but it didn’t always refer to saliva. In Shakespearean English, “gleek” meant a joke, gibe, or trick. We’d say this modern version fits all three!
Final Thoughts
Your mouth is full of surprises—and gleeking is just one more reason to be amazed by what it can do.
Next time it happens, don’t be embarrassed. Just tell your friends you’ve unlocked a hidden feature.
🦷 Want more strange and fascinating dental trivia?
Explore the full Weird Dental Facts collection here.
