Patient's question:
Is it normal for children to often drool, and is it because they are deficient 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. By 3 to 4 months, they gradually mature, and saliva secretion increases accordingly. Around 5 to 6 months, when milk teeth erupt, they stimulate the trigeminal nerve, leading to 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 be able to swallow excess saliva, and this condition will naturally resolve. Parents do not need to worry or seek treatment.
If the child normally produces little saliva but suddenly produces more in a short period, or if they have already been able to swallow excess saliva but then resume drooling, it is important to observe for signs of fever or fussiness. A check of the mouth may reveal red cheek mucosa, indicating oral inflammation. For mild cases, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, with local application of Bingbo Powder or Gentamicin Glycerin. If the redness is severe, with even ulcers on the oral mucosa, proper oral care, frequent cleaning, and prompt infection control should be administered.
Generally, the mouth can be cleaned with a 1:5000 chlorhexidine solution or 0.1% acriflavine solution, followed by applying 1% gentian violet or 2.5% gentamicin fish liver oil to the ulcers. Alternatively, Bingbo Powder or Tinli Powder can be used. In severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary. If numerous white spots elevated above the mucosa and difficult to wipe away are observed on the cheek mucosa, the child may have 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.