Overview
Drooling, also called sialorrhea or ptyalism, is the unintentional flow of saliva outside the mouth. It is common in infants and young children but, in adults, persistent drooling may indicate an underlying medical condition.
In Korea, drooling is managed through dental care, ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialists, neurology, and rehabilitation clinics. Advanced diagnostics and therapies, including botulinum toxin (Botox) injections and surgical interventions, are available for severe cases.
Key Facts
Highlights:
➡️ Normal in infants and toddlers, but unusual in adults.
➡️ May result from excess saliva production, difficulty swallowing, or poor muscle control.
➡️ Commonly associated with neurological disorders, infections, or oral problems.
➡️ Severe cases can impact speech, nutrition, and social interactions.
➡️ Korea offers specialized rehabilitation programs and advanced treatments.
What is Drooling?
Drooling occurs when saliva escapes from the mouth unintentionally. It may be:
- Mild – occasional leakage, often during sleep.
- Moderate – noticeable during the day, affecting speech or swallowing.
- Severe – continuous flow of saliva requiring medical intervention.
What Symptoms are Related to Drooling?
Associated signs and symptoms may include:
- Excess saliva pooling in the mouth
- Chapped lips or irritated skin around the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Slurred speech
- Frequent coughing or choking while eating
- Bad breath or oral hygiene problems
- Social or emotional discomfort
What Causes / Possible Causes?
Highlights:
➡️ Normal development – infants under 2 years old commonly drool.
➡️ Oral issues – teething, dental infections, tonsillitis.
➡️ Neurological disorders – Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke.
➡️ Swallowing disorders – structural or muscular problems.
➡️ Medications – antipsychotics, sedatives, or drugs increasing saliva production.
➡️ Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
➡️ Allergies or sinus infections.
When Should I See My Doctor?
Medical attention is recommended if drooling is:
➡️ Persistent beyond early childhood
➡️ Associated with choking, difficulty breathing, or swallowing
➡️ Accompanied by neurological symptoms (weakness, tremors, speech issues)
➡️ Leading to skin irritation, dehydration, or malnutrition
➡️ Affecting daily activities or social interactions
Care and Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity:
Highlights:
➡️ Medications – anticholinergic drugs to reduce saliva production.
➡️ Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections – effective in reducing excessive salivation.
➡️ Speech and swallowing therapy – improves muscle control.
➡️ Dental and oral care – for infections, teething, or oral structural issues.
➡️ Surgical options – salivary gland reduction or repositioning in severe cases.
➡️ Lifestyle modifications – posture correction, sugar-free gum to encourage swallowing.
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea provides advanced and multidisciplinary care for drooling:
Highlights:
➡️ Specialized ENT & neurology clinics for evaluation.
➡️ Swallowing and speech therapy programs in rehabilitation centers.
➡️ Botox injections widely used for neurological drooling.
➡️ State-of-the-art imaging to assess swallowing function.
➡️ Minimally invasive surgeries for chronic drooling.
➡️ Comprehensive international patient care in top hospitals (e.g., Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital).
