Drooling: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of drooling?

Drooling, also known as hypersalivation or sialorrhea, is the term used to describe excessive saliva production that results in saliva spilling out of the mouth. While occasional drooling is normal, especially in infants and young children, persistent or excessive drooling can be a sign of an underlying issue. Symptoms of drooling may include:

1. Constant wetness around the mouth and chin: Excessive saliva may pool around the mouth, leading to wetness on the skin.
2. Chapped or irritated skin around the mouth: The constant presence of saliva can irritate the skin, leading to chapping or redness.
3. Frequent swallowing: Some individuals may swallow more frequently than usual to manage the excess saliva.
4. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): In some cases, drooling may be associated with difficulty swallowing, which can lead to saliva buildup in the mouth.
5. Gurgling or bubbling sounds: Excessive saliva in the mouth may result in gurgling or bubbling sounds, especially during sleep.
6. Choking or coughing: In severe cases, excessive saliva production can lead to episodes of choking or coughing.
7. Social and psychological effects: Persistent drooling can have social and psychological effects, leading to embarrassment, social withdrawal, or decreased self-esteem.

What are the causes of drooling?

Drooling, or hypersalivation, can have various causes, ranging from temporary and benign issues to more serious underlying conditions.

1. Excessive saliva production: This can be due to factors such as teething in infants, excessive saliva production during sleep, or excessive production due to certain foods or medications.
2. Poor oral muscle control: Weakness or poor coordination of the muscles in the mouth and throat can lead to difficulty swallowing saliva, resulting in drooling.
3. Neurological conditions: Conditions that affect the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), stroke, or brain injury, can disrupt the control of saliva production and swallowing.
4. Gastrointestinal reflux: Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can lead to excess saliva production and drooling, especially during sleep.
5. Infections: Infections of the mouth, throat, or salivary glands can cause increased saliva production and drooling.
6. Allergies: Allergic reactions can sometimes lead to increased saliva production and drooling.
7. Dental issues: Dental problems such as poorly fitting dentures, gum disease, or oral infections can lead to drooling.
8. Medications: Some medications, such as certain antipsychotic drugs, can cause dry mouth or excessive saliva production, leading to drooling.
9. Psychological factors: Emotional stress, anxiety, or fear can sometimes lead to increased saliva production and drooling.
10. Postural issues: Drooling can occur more frequently in individuals with certain postural issues, such as those with poor head control or who frequently tilt their heads back.
11. Tumors or growths: Rarely, tumors or growths in the mouth, throat, or salivary glands can lead to increased saliva production and drooling.
12. Inflammatory conditions: Conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, which affects the salivary glands, can lead to dry mouth or increased saliva production and drooling.
13. Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, can be associated with poor muscle control in the mouth and throat, leading to drooling.

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if drooling is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue that requires treatment.

What is the treatment for drooling?

The treatment for drooling depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common approaches to managing drooling:

1. Behavioral interventions: Simple strategies such as teaching proper swallowing techniques, using reminders to swallow, and encouraging the individual to be aware of and control their saliva can sometimes help reduce drooling.
2. Oral-motor therapy: This type of therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles involved in swallowing and improving oral motor control, which can help reduce drooling.
3. Dietary changes: Avoiding foods that stimulate saliva production, such as sour or spicy foods, can sometimes help reduce drooling.
4. Medications: In some cases, medications such as anticholinergic drugs (e.g., glycopyrrolate) may be prescribed to reduce saliva production. However, these medications can have side effects and are typically used only when other treatments have not been effective.
5. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections: Injections of botulinum toxin into the salivary glands can reduce saliva production and may be helpful in some cases of severe drooling.
6. Surgery: In rare cases, surgery to remove or reposition the salivary glands may be considered for severe drooling that does not respond to other treatments.
7. Management of underlying conditions: Treating any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to drooling, such as allergies, infections, or neurological disorders, can help reduce drooling.
8. Assistive devices: Specialized devices, such as drool bibs or chin supports, can help manage drooling and prevent skin irritation.

The most appropriate treatment for drooling will depend on the underlying cause and should be determined by a healthcare provider familiar with the individual’s medical history and needs. In many cases, a combination of approaches may be used to effectively manage drooling.