If you mean abnormal amounts of licking for that dog then I would say either going to be sick or feeling sick, something stuck in it's mouth/tooth problem, or a throat infection and can't swallow - although that is usually accompanied with drooling!
If it's just an everyday thing in certain situations then it is a submissive gesture from an insecure dog - need more info!!!
Its a everyday thing, its not my dog, im looking after her and have done a few times but I know from the owner she does it all the time, there other dog doesn't but he doesn't look for attention either.