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Apr 07, 2025By Samridhi Rohatgi
There’s something oddly adorable about a baby drooling. But as your child gets older, you might ask if it is still normal? Drooling is common, especially in infants and toddlers. But when it continues beyond a certain age, it may raise a few red flags for parents.Â
Read this article to find what drooling really means, when to worry, and how you can deal with it.
What Is Drooling?
Drooling is just the overflow of saliva from the mouth. It's completely normal in babies. In simple words, it's their body's way of learning and adjusting. Saliva helps with digestion and helps keep the mouth moist, and protect against germs. But when a child’s mouth muscles are still developing, it’s hard to control all that saliva overflow. So, out it comes!
According to a study, babies often start drooling around 3 to 6 months—right about when teething begins. It peaks around 6 to 18 months and typically reduces by age 2. The real concern is— what if it continues beyond that?
Common Causes of Drooling in Kids
Drooling in kids usually happens due to a mix of natural growth and development. Other times, underlying issues might be the real reason:
- Teething when gums become inflamed and causes an increase in saliva.
- Mouth breathing which is often associated with allergies, enlarged tonsils, or nasal blockages.
- Neurological or developmental delays, including conditions such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy which can affect oral control.
- Reflux or swallowing difficulties results in some children producing more saliva to soothe an irritated throat.
When to See a Doctor?
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and seek medical advice if:
- Your child is over 4 and still drooling excessively
- There are signs of speech or feeding delays
- Your child seems unaware they’re drooling or doesn’t wipe it away
- Skin around the mouth or chin becomes irritated
Tips for Managing Drooling at Home
While your child’s doctor may suggest professional therapy, here are a few home remedies and tips you can follow at home:
- Encourage your child to sit upright during meals
- Offer chewy foods to strengthen jaw muscles
- Remind them to close their lips and swallow when they feel saliva
- Use absorbent bibs or soft cloths to avoid skin irritation
- Keep their face clean and moisturized to prevent rashes
Conclusion
Drooling is often just a part of the growing-up process. And for some kids, it takes a little longer for their muscles to coordinate. That’s okay.
But did you know that 1 in 20 school-age kids experience speech or oral motor issues—including drooling. Early support is what can actually make a big difference.
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