Evie Summers
Drooling is when saliva unintentionally flows out of the mouth. It is common for newborns to drool, especially in their sleep, as they have weak oral muscles and are still developing control over their swallowing muscles. While drooling is a normal part of a newborn's development, excessive drooling can sometimes be a cause for concern and may require medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drooling | Normal during the first two years of life |
| Excessive drooling may be a sign of choking or difficulty swallowing | |
| May be caused by poor muscle development | |
| May be caused by a developing digestive system | |
| May be caused by the use of a pacifier | |
| May be caused by certain foods | |
| May be caused by sleeping position | |
| May be caused by illness | |
| May be caused by medication | |
| May be caused by pregnancy | |
| May be caused by insect or snake bites | |
| Treatment | Oral appliance therapy |
| Surgery | |
| Radiation therapy | |
| Physical therapy |
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What You'll Learn
Drooling is normal for newborns and babies up to two years old
Drooling is when saliva unintentionally flows out of the mouth. It is normal for newborns and babies up to two years old because they are still developing the muscles around their mouths. Drooling can also be caused by high saliva production, which can be triggered by certain foods and beverages, such as sugary and acidic foods.
Babies explore their world through their mouths, and their saliva helps protect their digestive system and break down food. Saliva also washes away accumulated food and bacteria, bathing the teeth and gums. This is why you may notice a spike in saliva production around three months old as their mouths gear up for teeth and solid foods.
However, excessive drooling can sometimes be a cause for concern. For example, it could be a symptom of medical or neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease. It could also be a sign of difficulty swallowing, which requires medical attention. If you are concerned about your baby's drooling, you should visit a doctor or dentist, who may recommend professional assistance from a speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, or feeding therapist.
To help reduce drooling, you can try brushing your baby's teeth after every meal and before bedtime to stimulate the oral cavity and improve saliva control and swallowing. You can also try wiping your baby's face with a warm washcloth to stimulate the swallowing reflex. Before bedtime, you can apply a moisture barrier ointment around your baby's mouth and cheeks to prevent a rash from excess moisture.
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Drooling can be caused by weak muscles around the mouth
Drooling is when saliva unintentionally flows out of the mouth. While it is common for newborns and babies up to two years old to drool, excessive drooling could be a sign of choking or difficulty swallowing, in which case, medical attention is required.
Babies have weak oral muscles because they are still developing. Instead of swallowing saliva, it pools in their mouth and unintentionally dribbles out. This is known as oral-motor weakness, which means that the muscles do not have the strength to function optimally for important milestones such as eating solid foods and making sounds with their mouths.
Oral-motor weakness can be caused by a variety of conditions, including those that involve the central nervous system, muscle disorders, and genetic disorders. For example, benign congenital hypotonia, a condition where infants exhibit a "rag doll" feeling when held, can cause low muscle tone. Other causes of oral-motor weakness include physical trauma to the head, stroke, or neurological diseases like Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis.
If your baby has oral-motor weakness, they may have trouble drinking from a cup or straw, as they will have difficulty closing their lips and may lose control of liquids. They may also have trouble with speech, as the precise movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw are required to articulate sounds.
If you are concerned about your baby's drooling, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician. Treatment programs to help increase muscle strength and sensory stimulation can be developed once the cause of the muscle weakness is established.
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Excess drooling can be caused by certain foods and beverages
Drooling is a common occurrence in newborns and babies up to two years old. This is because babies have yet to develop full control of the muscles around their mouths, resulting in unintentional drooling or excess saliva. While drooling is a normal part of a baby's development, there are certain foods and beverages that can lead to excessive drooling.
Foods with high acid content, such as citrus fruits, can increase saliva production and contribute to drooling. Similarly, sugary foods and beverages can also trigger excess saliva production, leading to drooling. If your baby is consuming acidic or sugary foods and you notice increased drooling, consider reducing their intake or offering alternatives with lower acid and sugar content.
In addition to dietary factors, using a pacifier for extended periods can also lead to excessive drooling in newborns. The constant presence of the pacifier in the baby's mouth can stimulate saliva production and cause drooling. Limiting pacifier use and keeping a soft washcloth nearby to wipe away drool can help manage this issue.
It is important to note that while drooling is typically a normal part of a newborn's development, sudden or excessive drooling could indicate other underlying issues. For example, infections such as strep throat, mononucleosis, sinus infections, or tonsillitis can lead to increased drooling. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease, can also cause excessive drooling. If you are concerned about your baby's drooling, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
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Drooling can lead to a rash around the mouth
Drooling is normal in newborns and babies up to two years old. It is caused by weak muscles around the mouth, which is common in babies as they are still developing. Drooling can also be caused by excessive saliva production, which may be triggered by certain foods and beverages, such as those with high acid content or sugar. In some cases, infections can also lead to drooling.
While drooling is a common and natural occurrence in newborns, it can sometimes lead to a rash around the mouth, known as a drool rash. This happens when a baby's skin is exposed to saliva for an extended period, causing irritation. The rash often occurs during teething, as babies tend to drool more during this time, and their hands or teething rings are frequently in their mouths, allowing saliva to easily drip onto their faces.
To prevent and treat drool rash, it is important to keep the baby's skin clean and dry. Gently wash the affected areas with warm water and a soft cloth several times a day to remove saliva and leftover food, and then pat the skin dry. It is also recommended to use bibs to absorb saliva and protect the baby's clothing and skin from getting damp. Changing bibs regularly is crucial to ensure the baby's skin remains dry.
Additionally, applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a soothing ointment, such as Aquaphor, to the baby's face, cheeks, neck, and chest can create a protective barrier against drool. It is important to avoid products with fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals that can irritate the baby's sensitive skin. Keeping a soft burp cloth or washcloth nearby to wipe away drool, especially after feedings and naps, is also helpful in preventing drool rash.
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Drooling is also common during sleep for people of all ages
Drooling is a common occurrence for people of all ages during sleep. Drooling is when saliva unintentionally flows out of the mouth. This can be due to various factors, such as the production of too much saliva or weak muscles around the mouth.
For newborns and babies, drooling is a typical part of their development. It is connected to their developing digestive system and helps protect their gut with disease-preventing proteins and antibodies. Babies also have weak oral muscles as they are still developing, which leads to saliva pooling in their mouths and unintentionally dribbling out. This is why drooling is normal during the first two years of a child's life.
Additionally, certain factors can increase drooling in newborns and babies. For example, using a pacifier for extended periods can lead to excessive drooling and cause a rash. Babies may also drool more when they are unwell, as their bodies produce more saliva and mucus. Introducing solid foods can also increase drooling, as their mouths gear up for new textures and flavours.
While drooling is common during sleep for all ages, there are ways to reduce it. Elevating the head of the bed or using extra pillows can help minimise drooling. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing teeth after meals and before bed can also stimulate the oral cavity and improve saliva control. Additionally, encouraging your child to drink liquids and chew on appropriate objects or food can aid in saliva management.
However, it is important to monitor excessive drooling, especially if it persists or impacts a child's quality of life. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and intervention.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for newborns to drool in their sleep. Drooling is normal during the first two years of life because babies have weak oral muscles and are still developing full control over their swallowing muscles.
To reduce your newborn's drooling, you can try elevating the head of their bed or using extra pillows. Brushing their teeth after every meal and before bedtime can also help reduce excess saliva.
If your newborn appears to be drooling excessively and looks unwell, this could indicate a problem with swallowing or a sign of illness. In this case, you should seek medical attention.
