Drooling

Alternative names:

drool; salivation excessive; increased salivation; excessive salivation

Home care:

Good oral hygiene is strongly recommended.

In some cases, exercising the facial muscles may help.

Aspiration of substances into the lungs can be prevented by sitting upright or by lying on one side.

Call your health care provider if:

• the cause of the drooling has not been diagnosed or if there is concern about aspiration.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting drooling in detail may include:

• associated conditions
  • Does the person have a known history of any of the diseases that cause drooling (see causes)?
  • Has the person had a bite or sting? What type?
  • Has the person had an injury? What type?
• What medication are being taken?
• What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there a fever?
  • Is there a sore throat?
  • Is there a facial droop?
  • Are there other symptoms?

Diagnostic tests will be performed as indicated by other symptoms that accompany the drooling.

Aspiration may be prevented by suctioning.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to drooling, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial