Drooling is saliva flowing outside the mouth.
Alternative NamesSalivation
ConsiderationsDrooling is generally caused by:
Some people with drooling problems are at increased risk of breathing saliva, food, or fluids into the lungs. This may cause harm if there is a problem with the body's normal reflexes (such as gagging and coughing).
Drooling caused by nervous system (neurologic) problems can often be managed with drugs that block the action of the chemical messenger acetylcholine (anticholinergic drugs). In severe cases, people can reduce drooling by injecting botulism toxin, getting high-energy x-rays (radiation) to the glands in the mouth that make saliva (salivary glands), and other methods.
Common CausesSome drooling in infants and toddlers is normal and is not usually a sign of a disease or other problem. It may occur with teething. Drooling in infants and young children may get worse with upper respiratory infections and nasal allergies.
Drooling that occurs with fever or trouble swallowing may be a sign of a more serious disease, including:
Sudden drooling may occur with poisoning (especially by pesticides) or a reaction to snake or insect venom.
Other things that can cause drooling:
Care for drooling due to teething includes good oral hygiene. Popsicles or other cold objects (such as frozen bagels) may be helpful. Take care to avoid choking when a child uses any of these objects.
Call your health care provider ifCall your health care provider if:
The doctor will do a physical examination and ask questions about the symptoms, including:
The tests performed depend on the symptoms that occur with the drooling.
ReferencesLowell MJ. Esophagus, stomach, duodenum. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 87.
Melio FR. Upper respiratory tract infections. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 73.
Vanderhoff BT, Carroll W. Neurology. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 54.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/07/2010
Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.