Patient's question:
My baby is 14 months old, and he still drools a lot. Could you please ask the doctor what the problem is and how it should be treated?Doctor's answer:
Hello:There are many reasons for drooling in infants and young children. Some begin drooling between 2 and 4 months of age, and it increases thereafter, becoming particularly noticeable between 5 and 6 months.
At birth, the salivary glands are not yet fully developed. By 3 to 4 months, they gradually mature, and saliva production gradually increases. Around 5 to 6 months, when milk teeth erupt, this stimulates 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, so saliva continues to flow outward. 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 previously been able to swallow excess saliva but then start drooling again, it is important to observe whether the child has a fever or is crying excessively. A check of the mouth may reveal very red buccal mucosa, indicating oral inflammation. For mild cases, attention to oral hygiene is necessary, along with local application of Bingbo Powder or Gentamicin Glycerin. If the redness is severe, or if there are ulcers on the oral mucosa, proper oral care should be provided, including frequent oral cleaning and prompt control of infection.
Generally, after cleaning the mouth with a 1:5000 chlorhexidine solution or 0.1% acriflavine solution, the ulcers can be treated with 1% gentian violet or 2.5% oxytetracycline fish liver oil, or with Xilie Powder or Bingbo Powder. For severe cases, antibiotics may be administered. If many white spots elevated above the mucosal surface and difficult to wipe away are observed on the buccal mucosa, the child may have thrush. Treatment can involve cleaning the mouth with a 1%–2% sodium bicarbonate solution before feeding or using antifungal medication.