Why is My Toddler Drooling So Much?
It’s normal for toddlers to drool, and it’s usually a sign of teething or development of oral muscles. However, if your toddler is drooling more than usual and having problems swallowing, it could be a medical issue.
Reasons for Excessive Drooling
Excessive drooling can be caused by a few different things:
- Oral Motor Delay or Low Muscle Tone If your toddler has not yet developed the skills to control and regulate their swallowing response, drooling can be a result of oral motor delay. This can be more common in infants and toddlers with lower muscle tone.
- Allergies Allergies can cause inflammation in the mouth and throat, resulting in increased drooling and difficulty swallowing.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) GERD is a disorder which causes food and liquids to come back up through the esophagus, leading to regurgitation and drooling.
- Medical Disorders A variety of underlying medical disorders can cause drooling, such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.
When to See a Doctor
If your toddler’s drooling is severe and accompanied by difficulty swallowing, or if the drooling becomes more frequent or severe over time, it’s important to seek medical assistance. Your doctor may recommend seeing a specialist for further testing and diagnosis.
Although it’s normal for toddlers to drool, it’s important to be aware of when it may be a sign of a medical concern. If you are concerned about your toddler’s drooling, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
1. How long has my toddler been drooling?
Drooling is a common occurrence during toddlerhood. Babies usually begin drooling at around 4 months old and usually peak between 6 to 10 months. Drooling usually slows down and stops around 18 to 24 months, but may continue for a few more months beyond that.
4. Could diet or nutrition play a role in drooling?
Yes, diet and nutrition can play a role in drooling. Eating certain foods can increase saliva production, which can result in excess saliva accumulating in the mouth. If a person cannot swallow or expel the saliva, it can lead to drooling. Some medical conditions, such as Cerebral Palsy, can also be a cause of drooling. Having a balanced, varied diet and following good oral hygiene practices can help reduce the occurrence of drooling.
5. Are there any natural remedies I can try to reduce drooling?
Yes, there are a few natural remedies you can try to reduce drooling. These include drinking more water, avoiding acidic and spicy foods, using an oral myofunctional tool to improve the muscles in your mouth, doing relaxation and breathing exercises, applying a warm compress to the face, and trying a change in posture. Additionally, acupuncture and acupressure may help reduce drooling.
3. Is there anything I can do to help reduce the amount of drooling?
There are a few things you can try to help reduce the amount of drooling.
1. Check for allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. Certain foods can cause increased salivation and drooling.
2. Increase fluid intake and make sure your infant has plenty of fluids available throughout the day.
3. Practice strengthening the muscles around their mouth. Exercises like blowing bubbles or making different facial expressions can help.
4. Burp your infant often during feedings and after drinking from a bottle to help keep the saliva from flowing down their chin.
5. Apply a gentle pressure over your infant’s mouth to help absorb excess saliva.
6. Use a fresh, clean bib to prevent staining and keep skin dry. Drooling can cause skin irritation or rashes.
If these simple measures do not help, consult a doctor as there may be other underlying causes such as oral motor delays or neurological issues.