Drooling in babies is usually noticeable once their salivary glands are active functionally, around two to three months (1). Since babies lack teeth and neck muscle control, the constant saliva produced in their mouths may not be withheld or swallowed by them. Therefore, the saliva accumulates to pass through their mouths finally. However, sometimes this usual phenomenon may surge, causing an increase in saliva production in the mouth, leading to a condition called hypersalivation or sialorrhea (2). Keep reading as we discuss the causes and management of drooling in infants. We also tell you about the ways to treat a baby’s excessive drooling in this post.
How Does Drooling Help Babies?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drooling helps in the following ways (3):
Keeps the baby’s mouth moist.
Washes away food residue.
Softens foods when the baby starts eating solids, thus making it easier to swallow.
Protects the baby’s gums. Once the baby has teeth, the compounds in saliva prevent tooth decay.
Saliva works as a natural antacid that helps prevent hyperacidity in the stomach.
Saliva naturally contains compounds that convert starch into sugar.
There is no reason to worry if your baby or toddler is drooling excessively but is otherwise healthy. However, you can curb it if you know what’s causing it.
What Causes Excessive Drooling In Babies?
The following conditions might lead to excessive drooling in infants and toddlers: Whatever is the cause, if the baby is drooling unusually more, you may want to visit a doctor.
Should You See A Doctor If Your Baby Drools A Lot?
Not necessarily. If your baby is well in general, then there is no reason to worry about the excess drooling. The condition will go away on its own. But if the following conditions accompany drooling, then it is good to let the doctor look:
Sudden excessive drooling could cause the baby to choke. Drooling can also be a sign of a foreign object stuck in the baby’s throat, causing the child to choke (3). If you suspect this, seek medical attention immediately.
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or above.
Excessive fussiness and colic.
Inability to eat and sleep properly.
You notice redness inside the baby’s mouth and the throat.
An older infant with teeth has trouble chewing or swallowing.
Does Excessive Drooling In Babies Require Treatment?
Usually, drooling will not require treatment. If the baby displays other signs of a problem, then the doctor will diagnose the underlying condition causing the drooling and then proceed to treat it. Treatment could range from oral medication to reduce saliva production, to botox injections in the salivary gland (11). In cases of orofacial abnormalities, corrective surgery could also be recommended (6). Whatever the treatment, it will be recommended by a pediatrician post specific diagnosis. Sometimes, a little home care is all that is needed to deal with drooling in babies.
How To Manage Excessive Drooling At Home?
Managing all that excess saliva is easy with a few simple steps like the ones below:
Put on the drool bib: You can buy a drool bib and let the baby wear it all the time. Bibs made from cotton work the best due to the material’s excellent absorbent capabilities. Keep changing the bibs and wash them every day with a baby-safe disinfectant detergent.
Keep tissues handy: If you are outdoors, carry a pack of tissues in your baby’s diaper bag. Wipe the excess drool and throw the tissue in a dustbin right away.
Give a teething toy: If your baby drools predominantly when he/she is teething, then give them a teething toy. It can help relieve the sore gums and bring down the excess salivation stimulated by irritated gums. Avoid teething necklaces since they increase the risk of strangulation and are not recommended by pediatric experts (12).
Treatment of the underlying condition will also work against excessive drooling. Eventually, the drooling should stop.
