Drooling: Causes, Types & Prevention

In the first two years of life, it is common for babies to drool. Babies rarely develop full control of swallowing and mouth muscles until they are between 18 and 24 months of age. Babies can also drool when their teeth are coming in. Excessive drooling is normal during sleep, and many individuals may experience excessive saliva while sleeping.

Drooling can occur in peoplewith other medical conditions or neurological disorders, such ascerebral palsy, or in adults who experience a sudden onset of droolingdue to underlying health issues.

Symptoms of Drooling

• Wetness around the mouth
• Chapped lips or facial skin irritation
• Frequent swallowing
• Difficulty speaking or eating
• Drooling While Sleeping
• Mouth Breathing
• Facial Muscle Weakness

Causes of Drooling

It may be a physical disorder that results from it. It can be a side effect of some drugs as well.

Any disease, condition, or medicine that weakens muscles, produces excess saliva, or makes swallowing difficult can cause drooling.

• Poor Oral Motor Control: Conditions like cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, or muscle weakness.
• Age:Babies are vulnerable to drooling due to a lack of full muscle control.
• Teething: Leads to increased saliva production.
• Diet: Acidic foods and alcohol can increase saliva production.
• Dental Issues: Tooth infections, misalignment, oral surgeries.
• Allergies: Can lead to excess saliva along with symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.
• Medications: Psychiatric drugs, Alzheimer's medication, drugs for Myasthenia gravis.
• Neurological Conditions: Parkinson's Disease, ALS, cerebral palsy, stroke.
• Other Conditions: GERD, tonsillitis, sinusitis, anatomical issues, pregnancy.

Causes of Drooling in Adults

• Neurological Disorders: Parkinson's, ALS, MS, stroke.
• Medications: Antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, Alzheimer's medications.
• GERD: Increases nighttime salivation.
• Oral Infections: Tooth abscesses, gingivitis, ill-fitting dentures.
• Sleep Apnea or Mouth Breathing
• Poor Posture or Muscle Weakness
• Allergies or Sinus Infections
• Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)

Common Causes of Drooling While Sleeping

• Sleeping position (side/stomach)
• Nasal congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus infections
• GERD
• Sleep apnea
• Medication side effects
• Neurological conditions

Risks and Complications of Excessive Drooling

• Skin irritation or infection
• Social embarrassment
• Choking or aspiration
• Dental issues
• Dehydration
• Difficulty speaking or eating
• Social isolation
• Worsening of underlying conditions

When to Visit a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if drooling is constant, delays tasks, or causes social issues.

How is Drooling Diagnosed?

Anterior hypersalivation is diagnosed by family or caregivers who observe excessive saliva. A history of repeated choking and pneumonia may suggest hypersalivation. Swallowing evaluations using X-rays may be conducted by speech pathologists and radiologists.

Treatment of Drooling

In babies, drooling is often normal. However, treatment is needed if drooling causes problems or emotional distress. Options include:

• Suck on hard candy or chew gum
• Wear a bracelet to wipe your mouth discreetly

Therapy can help:

• Swallowing therapy
• Speech therapy for tongue mobility and lip closure

Dental or Oral Devices

These assist with jaw, lip, and tongue positioning but are not suitable for everyone.

Home Remedies for Drooling

• Drink water and chew a lemon wedge before bed
• Sleep on your back
• Take a steam to open the nasal passages

Botox Injections

Botox in the salivary glands may reduce saliva production for a few months. Usually safe with minimal side effects.

Medications

Allergy or saliva-reducing medications may be prescribed depending on the cause.

Surgery

Reserved for severe cases that don't respond to other treatments and result in respiratory issues.