Patient's question:
What should I do if my child has a lot of saliva?How much does a trace element test cost?
How to manage your child's diet – nutritious......
Thank you for your guidance!
Doctor's answer:
Children drooling can be divided into physiological and pathological categories. The majority of cases are physiological phenomena. When a child is born, the salivary gland cells are not yet fully developed, and saliva secretion is minimal. Around four to five months of age, the child begins to eat complementary foods, increasing chewing. At the same time, milk teeth start to erupt, and the gums are stimulated, triggering a nervous reflex. All of these factors stimulate saliva production, leading to increased drooling. However, a child's mouth is shallow, and they are unable to swallow excess saliva promptly. As a result, excessive saliva may flow out from the corners of the mouth. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require treatment. After the child is two and a half years old, when all their milk teeth have erupted, the drooling will gradually improve.However, in some cases, drooling may be a pathological symptom, such as when the child has oral inflammation, including glossitis (tongue inflammation) or gingivitis (gum inflammation). In such cases, the saliva may be yellow or light red and may have an odor. The child may also experience mild fever, a lack of appetite, and restlessness. If this occurs, it is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
For children who drool excessively, it is important to maintain local hygiene. When wiping the saliva, use a clean, soft towel and be gentle. You can also use a bib made of soft fabric, which should be changed frequently to keep it dry.
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Hello, drooling, also known as sialorrhea, refers to the involuntary overflow of saliva from the mouth. Generally speaking, infants under one year old often drool because their oral cavity is small, their saliva production is high, and their nervous system is not yet fully developed, making it difficult for them to control mouth movements such as opening and closing and swallowing. Additionally, the stimulation of the gums during teething often leads to drooling. As the child grows, drooling typically gradually disappears around the age of one.
If a child is still drooling after the age of two, it may be an abnormal sign, such as cerebral palsy or congenital intellectual disability. Additionally, conditions like oral ulcers or a weak spleen and stomach can also cause excessive drooling. Pay attention to the child's symptoms to identify the cause of drooling, especially if the child has a fever or refuses to eat. In such cases, an oral examination should be conducted to check for ulcers. If the drooling is caused by a weak spleen and stomach, avoid dressing the child in excessive or thick clothing. Additionally, dietary restrictions should be observed to prevent the accumulation of undigested food, which can exacerbate drooling and lead to respiratory infections. Moreover, traditional Chinese massage therapy can be considered under the guidance of a doctor.