Drooling: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Drooling?

If you have ever woken up with a wet patch on the pillow next to you, then you are already familiar with drooling. Drool is saliva that involuntarily escapes the mouth; it commonly happens when you are asleep, but it can also be a symptom of underlying health conditions or age. 

In adults, excessive amounts of drool may be a sign of sialorrhea (or hypersalivation), a condition characterised by an almost constant flow of saliva. For babies, drooling in sleep and during the day is much more common as the facial and oral muscles that control saliva are not yet fully developed. 

Causes of Drooling

The question of ‘what causes drooling’ does not have just one answer, as several factors can cause and exacerbate the condition. The most common causes of drooling include: 

• Age: Generally, babies will drool more than adults as the muscles used to control the flow of saliva are not yet fully formed. Drooling may worsen between three and six months, and when teething. 

• Sleep Position: Drooling in sleep is often caused by the position you sleep in. If you lie on your side or stomach, gravity will make it easier for saliva to escape your mouth. 

• Blocked Sinuses: Drooling is more common when you are mouth breathing, a state often caused by blocked sinuses. 

• GERD: Acid reflux and gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD) can both lead to excessive drooling as they can cause the throat to feel obstructed or blocked.  

• Medications: Certain medications can lead to excess drool, including antibiotics, antipsychotic drugs and Alzheimer’s medication.  

• Bruxism: Teeth grinding (bruxism) is often accompanied by drool. This is because the condition causes mouth breathing/an open mouth. 

• Neurological Conditions: Conditions including strokes, ALS, MS, Parkinson’s or cerebral palsy can make a person more likely to drool. 

• Diet: Food and drink high in sugar and acid can lead to excess drool. 

• Infections: Some diseases/infections can lead to drool, including strep throat, tonsillitis, and mononucleosis.

Why Do I Drool When I Sleep? 

Drooling in sleep is common, for many people, it will be the only time at which they drool at all. If you are wondering ‘why do I drool when I sleep’ then the most common reason will be your sleeping position.

Simply put, if you sleep on your side or stomach, gravity will make it easier for saliva to flow out of the mouth. If you sleep on your back, on the other hand, saliva pools in the mouth and throat meaning you are less likely to drool.

Positioning is not the only reason behind drooling in sleep, though. If you sleep on your back but still find yourself drooling it may be as a result of GERD, acid reflux, or mouth breathing prompted by an infection. 

How to Stop Drooling in Your Sleep

If you are drooling at night, then do not worry; there are several effective ways to treat drooling in sleep, ranging from at-home methods to surgeries and medications. Common treatments include: 

• Changing your sleep position so drool cannot escape from the mouth as easily at night. While it may be difficult to adjust to a new sleeping position, lying on your back rather than stomach or side will stop you from drooling at night if gravity is the primary cause. 

• Addressing allergens by using antihistamines or removing them from your sleeping environment. 

• Using a mandibular device to clear airways and help reduce mouth breathing. Typically, these devices will be used to combat sleep apnoea, but they can reduce drool levels. Consult your doctor before using a mandibular device. 

For chronic drooling, more aggressive treatment measures may be necessary. Though they may not be applicable in every situation, the following treatments can be deployed to combat excessive drool: 

• Botox Injections 

In cases of chronic drooling, Botox injections can be used as treatments. Botox is injected into the saliva glands and stops the glands from producing too much saliva.  As with all uses of Botox injections, this treatment is not permanent and eventually, glands will resume ‘normal’ function. 

• Medications 

If a neurological condition is causing you to drool, then your doctor may prescribe medications which block impulses to your saliva glands and stop the production of saliva.  

• Speech Therapy 

Going through speech therapy can improve muscle strength in your jaw and tongue and therefore reduce excess drool in turn. This is not the primary function of speech therapy, so it is unlikely your doctor will recommend this treatment for chronic drooling alone. 

• Surgery 

In rare cases, chronic drooling and hypersalivation may require surgery. A doctor can remove your saliva glands, alter their ducts, and reduce nerve connection to your saliva glands to combat sialorrhea.

What can I do at Home to Treat Drooling? 

For children who are drooling excessively, ice lollies, ice cubes, or simply cold drinks can help limit the production of saliva.  

Limiting your (or your child’s) intake of sugary and acidic food can also help reduce excessive drooling, as it lowers the risk of acid reflux. 

What Happens if Chronic Drooling is Left Untreated

It is important to know how to stop drooling in sleep, as if the condition is left untreated, it can cause serious and long-term health issues. Drooling can be a risk factor for sleep apnoea, a serious condition characterised by episodes in which your body stops breathing at night. If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnoea, visit your doctor as soon as possible. 

Excess drool can also lead to angular cheilitis, a condition where the corners of the mouth dry up and painful sores form. Drool can also make its way into the lungs and cause a chest infection, such as pneumonia. Pneumonia symptoms include congestion, chest pain, a high fever and green or bloody mucus. Visit your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Managing Drooling Starts with Smarter Oral Care

As with any condition involving the mouth, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential — and drooling is no exception. A consistent oral care routine helps keep the mouth clean, reduces the risk of additional issues, and supports recovery from any related treatments.  

That’s why Oral-B is dedicated to encouraging proactive oral health, starting with the Oral-B iO Series. With revolutionary magnetic iO technology, the iO Series delivers a gentle yet effective clean, helping to keep your mouth in optimal condition every day. 

While excessive drooling can often be managed with home remedies and lifestyle adjustments, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist. And remember, maintaining a great oral care routine doesn’t stop at brushing — regular visits to your dentist or dental hygienist are a crucial part of long-term oral health.  

With Oral-B and the iO Series, you're empowered to care for your mouth with confidence.