Drooling: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Stop

Introduction

Drooling, also known as sialorrhea or hypersalivation, is the unintentional spillage of saliva from the mouth. While it is a common occurrence in infants and toddlers, excessive drooling in older children and adults can be a sign of an underlying health condition. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options available to help manage and stop drooling.

Causes of Drooling

Drooling can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Excess saliva production
• Weak or underdeveloped muscles around the mouth
• Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy [1]
• Allergies and sinus problems
• Certain medications, such as antipsychotics or anticonvulsants [2]
• Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea

Symptoms and Types of Drooling

There are two main types of drooling:

1. Anterior drooling: Saliva spills out of the front of the mouth
2. Posterior drooling: Saliva pools in the back of the throat, increasing the risk of aspiration [3]

Symptoms of excessive drooling may include:

• Wet chin, clothing, or objects
• Chapped or irritated skin around the mouth
• Speech difficulties
• Bad breath or dental problems due to constant moisture

Diagnosing the Root Cause of Drooling

To determine the underlying cause of drooling, a healthcare provider may:

• Review the patient’s medical history
• Perform a physical examination
• Conduct neurological assessments
• Order imaging tests or lab work to rule out certain conditions

Treatment Options for Drooling

Treatment for drooling depends on the underlying cause and may include:

Behavioral and Lifestyle Changes

• Changing sleeping positions to prevent saliva from pooling
• Treating allergies and sinus problems

Medications

• Anticholinergic drugs, such as glycopyrrolate or scopolamine, to reduce saliva production
• Other medications targeting specific underlying conditions

Medical Procedures

• Botox injections to temporarily paralyze the salivary glands
• Surgical interventions, such as salivary gland removal or rerouting

Speech and Occupational Therapy

• Exercises to improve muscle control and coordination around the mouth
• Techniques to manage saliva and improve swallowing

Complications and When to See a Doctor

Excessive drooling can lead to complications, such as:

• Skin irritation or infection
• Social and emotional distress
• Aspiration pneumonia, if saliva is inhaled into the lungs

Consult a doctor if drooling:

• Persists beyond the age of 4
• Is excessive or frequent
• Occurs suddenly in adults
• Is accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing

Drooling in Specific Populations

Infants and Toddlers

Drooling is common in babies, as they have not yet developed the muscles necessary to control saliva. Most children outgrow drooling by the age of 4.

Children with Special Needs

Children with neurological conditions or developmental delays may experience persistent drooling and require specialized care.

Adults with Neurological Conditions

Drooling is a common symptom in adults with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological disorders.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may drool due to reduced muscle control, certain medications, or ill-fitting dentures.

Home Remedies and Management Tips

• Practice good oral hygiene to prevent dental problems
• Use absorbent cloths or bibs to keep the skin dry
• Encourage hydration to thin out saliva and facilitate swallowing
• Perform oral motor exercises as recommended by a speech therapist

Additional Resources and Support

• Consult with a multidisciplinary team, including a neurologist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist
• Join support groups for individuals and families dealing with drooling-related conditions
• Access reliable online resources, such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) or the American Speech– Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)