Patient's question:
The baby is 9 months old and has a slight cough, poor appetite. After giving the baby a herbal decoction, it seems that the baby's breath has become stronger and the appetite has worsened. Saliva is flowing, and the baby is easier to wake up during sleep. Moreover, the baby has not yet grown teeth. What should the doctors do?Doctor's answer:
Children drool, which is called "saliva flow" in written language. Most of it is a normal physiological phenomenon. The regulation of saliva secretion relies on two mechanisms: local stimulation within the mouth and central nervous system control. Newborns, due to the underdeveloped functions of their central nervous system and salivary glands, produce very little saliva. By the age of three months, saliva secretion gradually increases, and some infants with stronger secretion abilities may drool. By six to seven months, when infants' milk teeth erupt, the stimulation of the trigeminal nerve also enhances saliva secretion. Additionally, children's small oral capacity makes it impossible for them to swallow saliva dryly, so they adjust the saliva within their mouths. As a result, when it accumulates, it naturally flows out.