‘Gleeking’ is a Disgustingly Weird Human Function that Most People Don’t Realize They Can Do
You may not have heard of ‘gleeking’ before, but you’ll probably feel disturbed after finding out what it is. It’s a bizarre action that did the rounds on TikTok, with one creator showcasing just how easy it is to do in a viral clip, and it’s now plastered all over your timeline.
The gross trend centers around the act of shooting saliva out from under your tongue – which can often happen when you’re yawning. The man in the clip explains that only one percent of the human population can gleek on demand, but a medical professional thinks that ‘everyone’, with some hard work and training, can do it after some extensive practice.
But why do people gleek in the first place?
There’s a reason behind it, and it all comes down to the science of saliva.
The Science Behind the Saliva Shot
So, in your mouth, there are three pairs of major saliva glands, as well as thousands of smaller ones. Two of the major ones are located on the bottom of your mouth – the submandibular glands and the sublingual glands. These glands are responsible for producing saliva, which is essential for digestion, lubrication, and oral hygiene.
When you eat, these glands start pushing out saliva. Usually, any excess drains away through ducts under your tongue. But sometimes this can build up, and the pressure on the glands from your tongue causes the saliva to squirt out. This is what we call ‘gleeking’.
As I mentioned earlier, this typically happens by accident, but if you fancy giving it a go on demand, there are some ways you can boost your chances.
How to Gleek on Demand: A Step-by-Step Guide
According to Dr. Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, Dean of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, eating something sour can help to stimulate your salivary glands. You can then push your tongue out of your mouth, lift it up, and curl the tip of your tongue back so it’s behind your top teeth.
Dr. Wolff explains that “if you tense the muscles in the tongue right, it squeezes the duct and saliva squirts right out.”
He believes that “everyone can do this”, but it will most likely take some practice to get to the point where you can do it on command.
Gleeking: A Gross Trend, But Not Harmful
While it may seem disgusting and even a little bit alarming, gleeking is not harmful. It’s just a natural bodily function that happens when saliva builds up in the mouth. While it’s not something you should actively try to do, it’s not something to worry about if it happens to you.
The Gleeking Trend and Social Media
The gleeking trend has taken social media by storm, with people sharing their own gleeking experiences and attempting to gleek on demand. The trend has even gone viral, with many people sharing videos of themselves gleeking, often to the amusement (or disgust) of their followers.
While the trend may be entertaining, it’s important to remember that gleeking is a normal bodily function and not something to be ashamed of. If you find yourself gleeking, don’t worry about it! Just try to discreetly wipe up the saliva and move on.
Beyond Gleeking: Other Interesting Facts about Saliva
Saliva is a fascinating substance, and there’s more to it than just keeping your mouth moist. Here are some other interesting facts about saliva:
- Saliva is produced by three pairs of major salivary glands and thousands of smaller glands. These glands produce about 1 to 2 liters of saliva per day.
- Saliva contains a variety of enzymes, including amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates. This is why you can taste food even before you chew it.
- Saliva helps to protect your teeth from cavities. Saliva contains minerals that help to remineralize tooth enamel and neutralize acids that can damage teeth.
- Saliva helps to protect your mouth from harmful bacteria. It contains antibodies that fight off infections.
- Saliva helps to keep your mouth clean. Saliva washes away food debris and bacteria, helping to prevent bad breath.
- Saliva can be used to identify individuals. It contains DNA, which can be used to create a unique genetic profile.
Final Thoughts
Gleeking may be a weird and disgusting bodily function, but it’s not harmful. It’s just a natural part of how our bodies work. So, if you find yourself gleeking, don’t worry about it! Just try to discreetly wipe up the saliva and move on. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try to gleek on demand. But be warned, it might take some practice!
What is ‘gleeking’ and why is it considered weird?
‘Gleeking’ is the act of shooting saliva out from under your tongue, often happening accidentally when yawning. It is considered weird because it is a bizarre and somewhat gross human function that many people are unaware they can do.
How can someone gleek on demand?
According to Dr. Mark S. Wolff, eating something sour can stimulate the salivary glands. By pushing the tongue out of the mouth, lifting it up, and curling the tip back behind the top teeth while tensing the tongue muscles, saliva can be squirted out on command.
Why do people gleek in the first place?
Gleeking occurs when excess saliva builds up in the mouth and the pressure from the tongue causes it to squirt out. It is a natural response due to the anatomy of the saliva glands and the way saliva is produced for digestion, lubrication, and oral hygiene.
Is gleeking harmful?
Despite being a gross trend, gleeking is not harmful. It is a natural function of the body and can be done by most people with practice, as explained by Dr. Mark S. Wolff, a dental professional.
