Patient's question:
Does frequent drooling in children indicate a deficiency in iron and calcium?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Saliva production may be related to teething in infants.At birth, the salivary glands are not yet fully developed. Between 3 to 4 months, they gradually mature, and saliva production increases accordingly. Around 5 to 6 months, when milk teeth erupt, they stimulate the trigeminal nerve, leading to further increased saliva production. At this stage, infants are not yet accustomed to swallowing saliva, and their mouths are also shallow, causing saliva to flow continuously. This is a normal physiological phenomenon. As the child grows older, they will develop the ability to swallow excess saliva, and this condition will naturally resolve. Parents need not be anxious or seek treatment.
However, if the child normally produces little saliva but suddenly has a significant increase in short-term duration, or if they have previously been able to swallow excess saliva but later resume drooling, it is important to observe for signs of fever or fussiness. A check of the mouth may reveal red buccal mucosa, indicating oral inflammation. For mild cases, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, with local application of Bingbo Powder or Chloramphenicol Glycerin. If the redness is severe, with even oral ulcers, proper oral care, frequent cleaning, and prompt infection control are necessary.
Generally, after cleaning the mouth with a 1:5000 chlorhexidine solution or 0.1% acriflavine solution, apply 1% gentian violet or 2.5% chloramphenicol cod liver oil to the ulcers. Alternatively, Bingbo Powder or Tinli Powder can be used. In severe cases, antibiotics may be administered. If numerous white spots elevated above the mucosa and difficult to wipe away are observed on the buccal mucosa, it may indicate thrush. Treatment can involve cleaning the mouth with a 1%–2% sodium bicarbonate solution before feeding or applying nystatin (100,000 units/mL) to the affected area 3–4 times daily. Alternatively, 1% gentian violet solution can be applied to the affected area.