Have you ever woken up in the morning with a wet pillow? Or have you ever felt scared when you saw your little baby drooling all the time? This is actually a common experience for many people. Sometimes this is very normal and nothing to worry about, but sometimes it is important to be a little concerned about it. So today, let's talk about this condition called drooling.
First, let's see what this saliva filtration is?
Simply put, drooling is the involuntary, uncontrollable flow of saliva from the mouth, even though we don't realize it. Although we medically call this ptyalism or sialorrhea, in everyday speech we use the term 'drooling'.
Most of the time, this is not a serious problem. It is very common for babies to drool, especially up to about two years old. This is because at that age, they have not yet learned to control the muscles around their mouth properly. Also, this condition can be seen more often as saliva production increases during teething. It is also normal for many of us to drool in our sleep.
However, sometimes this can be a symptom of a neurological condition such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease, so it's important to be aware of this.
What are the main causes of salivation?
There is not one single cause of salivation, but a number of factors that can contribute to it. Anything that makes it difficult to swallow, affects the control of the muscles in the mouth, or increases saliva production can cause it. Let's look at the main causes.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | This is normal for newborns and children up to about 2 years of age. Especially between 3-6 months and when teething, salivation can peak. |
| Diet | Acidic foods like lemons and oranges and foods high in sugar can increase saliva production. |
| Neurological Disorders | Conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Down Syndrome, and Autism can cause weakness in swallowing and muscle control of the mouth. |
| Infections | Conditions such as strep throat, mononucleosis, sinus infections, tonsillitis, and peritonsillar abscess, which is an infection of the tonsils that spreads to the neck and chest, can cause difficulty swallowing and drooling. |
| Other health conditions | Salivation can also be caused by allergies, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), swollen adenoids, nausea during pregnancy, certain medications, insect or snake bites, and pesticides . |
Very important: If you have any suspicion that the salivation is due to ingestion of a toxic substance such as a pesticide, immediately take the patient to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for further advice.
Why do you drool during sleep?
This is a problem that many people have. Sometimes the reason for this can be the position you sleep in. Think about it, if you sleep on your back (with your head up), gravity keeps saliva in your mouth. But if you sleep on your side or on your stomach, there is a much greater chance that saliva will leak out of your mouth.
But here's the thing: Even if you're someone who sleeps on your side every day, if you've only recently started drooling, it could be due to an allergy, an infection, or another health condition, such as acid reflux.
What are the treatments for this?
Treatment for drooling is not always necessary. Normal conditions, such as those that occur in young children, do not require treatment and will resolve on their own over time. However, if the condition is severe or interferes with your daily life or social interactions, your doctor will investigate the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
There are several treatment methods:
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications like Scopolamine and Glycopyrrolate that help reduce saliva production.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections: This injection can be given to the salivary glands to reduce saliva flow.
- Motor therapy: Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the muscles around the mouth and help control swallowing.
- Oral appliance: In some cases, a special device may be recommended to help the lips close properly when swallowing.
- Surgery: If other treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be considered as a last resort. This involves changing the function of the salivary glands or redirecting the salivary ducts to the back of the mouth.
- Radiation therapy: This is often used in the most severe cases and as a last resort.
Are there things you can do at home?
Yes, there are a few small things.
For young children who are drooling during teething, it may be helpful to give them something cold to chew on, such as ice popsicles . For adults who are drooling frequently, it is best to limit sour foods (like lemons and oranges) and sugary foods , as these increase saliva production.
What happens if left untreated?
While normal salivation is not a problem, a persistent, severe condition can cause health problems. For example, excessive salivation can cause painful cracks in the corners of the mouth (Angular Cheilitis) . Even more dangerous, in some severe cases, the excess saliva can travel to the lungs. This can even lead to a dangerous condition like pneumonia .
So, if you feel like this is a problem, don't delay in talking to a doctor about it.
When should we see a doctor about this?
As we mentioned earlier, drooling is a normal part of growing children. However, if you notice that you 've suddenly started drooling, or that you've started drooling excessively , it could be a cause for concern.
Remember, drooling can sometimes be a symptom of another condition. So if you notice any warning signs, or if you feel like this condition is interfering with your life, don't hesitate to see a doctor for advice. Your doctor can find the exact cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
Take-Home Message
- It is normal for young babies to drool until they are about two years old, especially when they are teething.
- The main reason for drooling during sleep is sleeping on your side or stomach.
- If you start salivating suddenly or excessively, it could be a sign of an infection, allergy, or other neurological condition.
- If you experience cracking at the corners of your mouth or other discomfort due to salivation, see your doctor immediately.
- If you suspect that your salivation is due to ingestion of something like pesticides, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
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