How to Reduce Drooling
Drooling, also referred to as salivation or sialorrhea, is common in children under the age of 18 months. In adults, difficulty managing your normal flow of saliva can be caused by medications such as anti-convulsants and tranquilizers and by neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease. Before resorting to surgical procedures to reduce drooling, all non-invasive treatments should be investigated.
Instructions
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Undergo speech and behavioral therapy. Speech therapy focuses on improving the manner in which the jaw closes and stabilizes itself. The position, mobility and strength of the tongue are promoted, as is closing of the lips. Behavioral therapy is more time consuming and requires the person to be corrected or punished when salivating. Positive reinforcement is given when good behavior is executed. Both speech and behavioral therapy can be used in addition to other non-invasive methods to reduce salivation.
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Wear an oral prosthetic device. A prosthetic device can be worn in combination with speech therapy. The device stabilizes the lower jaw and makes swallowing easier.
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Take prescription drugs to stop drooling. Drug treatment of drooling is effective, but the drugs have many unpleasant side effects including urinary tension, behavior changes, dry mouth, irritability and constipation.
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Have botulinum toxin injected in the salivary glands. Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, interferes with the signals that the nerves are trying to send to the muscles and therefore drooling reduces.
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Undergo surgery. There are various surgical procedures that help reduce drooling including removal of the saliva-producing glands and rerouting of the ducts. Surgery reduces drooling, but requires hospitalization and may result in visible scarring.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for drooling.
Prevent drooling while sleeping by lying on your back instead of your stomach. Avoid sleeping with your mouth facing your pillow
References
- Medline Plus; Drooling; Linda Vorvick; Feb. 2010
- University of Texas Medical Branch; Drooling; Sarah Rodriguez, et al.; Jan. 2003
- Hope Pharmaceuticals: Treatment for Drooling
- Cerebral Palsy Information: Botox Helps Prevent Drooling
- Otohns.net; Evaluation and Management of Drooling; Karen Stierman; May 1999
- Esquire: How to Stop Drooling in Your Sleep; Jan. 2010
- Photo Credit Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
