drool

Drool is the unintentional flow of saliva from the mouth. In medical terms, excessive drooling is called sialorrhea or hypersalivation. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands and serves important roles in lubrication, digestion, and oral immune defense. Normal drooling is common in infants and children as they develop oral-motor control and swallowing reflexes, and it can also occur temporarily during sleep, teething, or mouth breathing.

Causes of drooling range from normal development to underlying medical conditions. In young children, teething and immature swallowing typically dominate. In adults, drooling may reflect neuromuscular disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or cerebral palsy; problems with swallowing (dysphagia); facial or cranial nerve impairments; certain medications that affect saliva production or swallowing; infections or dental issues; or other conditions that reduce the ability to manage saliva effectively.

The clinical significance of drooling varies. It can cause skin irritation around the lips and chin, bad odor, dehydration in some cases, and, when substantial, a risk of aspiration leading to coughing or pneumonia. Social and psychological effects may include embarrassment or reduced quality of life, particularly in children and adults with chronic symptoms.

Management focuses on the underlying cause and may include behavioral and speech-language therapy to improve oral-motor control, exercises to enhance swallowing, and, in persistent or severe cases, pharmacologic or procedural options such as anticholinergic medications, botulinum toxin injections into the salivary glands, or surgical reduction of saliva production. Regular dental care and skin care help prevent complications.