How is drooling assessed?

Healthcare professionals will try to identify the cause of drooling to determine suitable ways to manage the condition.

Your child’s healthcare professional may ask questions to find out what may be causing or contributing to the excessive saliva. They may assess the following:

  • General Health

    If your child is prone to repeated chest infections, persistent acid reflux and other health problems, these can make drooling worse.

  • Medications

    A review of your child’s medications will help determine if they could be negatively impacting the management of their sialorrhoea.

  • Dental History

    Problems with dental health and crooked, crowded or protruding teeth can contribute to drooling in children.

  • Eating & Drinking

    Difficulties with eating and drinking could be a sign that swallowing problems are causing or contributing to drooling. Also, foods with a high acid content, such as dairy and soft drinks, can contribute to excessive saliva.

  • Communication Abilities

    If your child finds it difficult to control their mouth muscles, this can cause speech issues, as well as excessive saliva.

Measuring drooling severity and frequency

Doctors and nurses from different areas of healthcare may be involved to make sure the correct cause of drooling is identified and to provide appropriate treatment for your child.

They will measure how often the drooling occurs (the frequency), how much watering of the mouth there is (the severity) and to what extent the salivation is causing discomfort or interfering with your child’s daily activities (the impact).

Drooling Frequency

  1. Never drools
  2. Occasionally drools
  3. Frequently drools
  4. Constantly drools

Drooling Severity

  1. Dry (never drools)
  2. Mild (wet lips only)
  3. Moderate (wet lips and chin)
  4. Severe (wet clothing)
  5. Profuse (wet clothing, hands and objects)

If your child is above the age of four years old and you notice their drooling is causing discomfort or affecting day-to-day life, you may wish to consider discussing it with their healthcare professional.

MANAGEMENT OF DROOLING
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November 2024