When does drooling become a problem?
Sialorrhoea can have a negative impact on a child’s day-to-day life, particularly in children after the age of four.
Patient Impact
Severe drooling can cause:
The skin around the mouth, chin and neck to become cracked, red and sore, causing discomfort for a child.
Lung infections, caused by saliva “going down the wrong way” and entering the airways.
Dehydration, caused by persistent watering of the mouth.
Wetting of tops, t-shirts and bedding, causing an unpleasant smell due to excess saliva in mouth.
For many children affected by drooling, a bib is necessary to stop their clothes and skin from getting wet. While the physical effects are the most obvious consequences of too much saliva in the mouth, we believe that it is important to also understand the psychological impact this may have on a child, such as embarrassment and low self-esteem.
Excessive saliva affects not only a child but can also damage books, computers and toys, which can be a barrier to their education.
Excessive saliva affects not only a child but can also damage books, computers and toys, which can be a barrier to their education.
Children suffering from sialorrhoea may experience challenges when in social situations, as their peers (and sometimes adults) may underestimate their mental abilities, affecting their opportunities for social interaction.
If you notice your child’s social interactions are limited, you may want to consider speaking to their healthcare professional to explore possible reasons, such as drooling.
If you notice your child’s social interactions are limited, you may want to consider speaking to their healthcare professional to explore possible reasons, such as drooling.
Parent & Carer Impact
It is normal to feel embarrassed or isolated because of your child’s condition. Taking care of a child who suffers from severe drooling requires a lot of energy and focus.
This can add strain to your life, as you must put in extra effort to ensure your child stays dry and comfortable, such as needing to change their clothes more often and having to do extra laundry.
Watch our film to see how drooling can affect a child’s quality of life.