by 
The Curious Bag
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Thick saliva or mucous is semi-opaque in color and is acidic as opposed to being watery, clear and neutral. It can be caused by a number of factors. Thick saliva can cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
Antidepressants
Medication can cause thick saliva, according to Dr. Joel E. Gallant of Johns Hopkins. Antidepressants are especially known to cause dry mouth and result in thick saliva.
Conditions and Diseases
Thick saliva can be caused by dehydration, post nasal drip, allergies, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, diabetes, hypoglycemia and radiation therapy.
Food
Food that will exacerbate thick saliva and dry mouth include cookies, cake, pie, vegetables, dried fruit, bananas, pasta, rice, chips, cereal, pretzels, rolls, dry breads and meat, poultry and fish that are served without sauces.
Chemo
Chemotherapy can cause thick saliva and dry mouth because the salivary glands become irritated from the treatment and produce less saliva. What is produced may be sticky and thick.
Prevention/Solution
When experiencing thick saliva, eat soft, moist foods and avoid or limit eating touch meats, thick syrups, dry and hard foods and peanut butter. Keep hydrated, which thins saliva. Eat warm liquids, such as soups, and drink carbonated or tart beverages and foods, which may thin secretions.
Source:
Cancer.org: Dry Mouth or Thick Saliva
Chennaionline.com: Salivary Calculus
More Information:
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Not drinking enough water, among other things.
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