Drooling is common in babies and toddlers up to about age 4. It may increase when children are teething or when they have allergies or a cold.

If your child has excessive or ongoing drooling, it may be related to difficulty controlling or swallowing saliva. This is called sialorrhea and may need evaluation and treatment here at Connecticut Children's.

Is Drooling Normal in Babies and Toddlers?

Yes. Drooling is often a normal part of early childhood development. Babies and toddlers are still learning to control the muscles they use to manage and swallow saliva.

Drooling may be more noticeable when your child:

  • Is teething
  • Has a cold
  • Has allergies

Normal developmental drooling generally improves as kids get older.

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When should I be concerned about my child's drooling?

Talk with your pediatrician or pediatric ENT if drooling:

  • Continues after about age 4
  • Causes frequent skin irritation or consistently wet clothing
  • Happens along with coughing or choking
  • Affects your child’s daily activities

Your child’s care team help determine whether further evaluation is needed.

What Are the Types of Drooling?

There are two main types of drooling:

  • Anterior drooling: Saliva runs from the front of the mouth. This can cause wet clothing, wet bibs or problems with the skin.
  • Posterior drooling: Saliva flows toward the back of the mouth and down the airway. This may cause coughing, choking or lung problems.

 

When Drooling May Be Sialorrhea

Sialorrhea is excessive or ongoing drooling caused by difficulty controlling or swallowing saliva. It is more common in children who have cerebral palsy or a brain injury caused by another neurological disorder, stroke or traumatic brain injury.

This type of drooling in children is usually caused by decreased sensation in the mouth or poor motor control—not necessarily by producing too much saliva.

How is drooling treated?

Treatment options for drooling may include:

  • Anticholinergic medications may reduce drooling.
  • Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may help reduce the amount of saliva.
  • Surgical treatment may target the tonsils, adenoids, or salivary ducts or glands.

Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for drooling.