What is sialorrhea?
Sialorrhea, also known as excessive drooling or hypersalivation, is a condition where too much saliva builds up in the mouth and sometimes spills out past the lips. It can happen when the body produces more saliva than usual or when someone has trouble swallowing or keeping saliva in their mouth.
While it’s normal for infants and toddlers to drool, especially during teething, sialorrhea in older children or adults is usually linked to an underlying medical condition. It’s common in people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or after a stroke.
Sialorrhea can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the excessive drooling is more of a nuisance or cosmetic concern. In others, it can interfere with daily activities, cause skin irritation, increase the risk of aspiration (when saliva enters the lungs) or lead to feeling embarrassed in social situations.
Fortunately, there are treatments that can help manage sialorrhea, including therapies, medications and in some cases, procedures or surgery. If you or a loved one is experiencing excessive drooling, talk to your doctor about the best way to manage it.
What causes excessive drooling?
Excessive drooling happens when saliva builds up in the mouth and spills out unintentionally. While it's common in babies and young children, persistent drooling in older children or adults can be a sign of an underlying condition.
Hypersalivation can happen for several reasons, including:
- Neurological disorders: Conditions like cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), stroke or traumatic brain injury can affect the nerves and muscles that control swallowing and mouth movement. This makes it harder to manage saliva.
- Swallowing disorders (dysphagia): Difficulty swallowing can cause saliva to pool in the mouth instead of being cleared regularly. This is often linked to neurological conditions but can also occur after surgery, radiation or injury.
- Poor muscle control: Weakness or lack of coordination in the lips, tongue or jaw can make it difficult to keep saliva inside the mouth. This can be related to developmental delays, neuromuscular disorders or structural problems in the mouth.
- Increased saliva production: Saliva may increase due to acid reflux, infections (like tonsillitis or strep throat) or reactions to certain medications.
- Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth, especially at night, can contribute to drooling. This is often caused by allergies, sinus issues or enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
- Dental problems: Issues like misaligned teeth, trouble chewing or poorly fitting dentures can affect saliva control.
When to see a doctor
If you start drooling more than usual or without a clear reason, it’s a good idea to talk to your primary care provider. It could be related to a medical issue, especially if you also have trouble swallowing, speaking or controlling facial muscles.
You should also seek care if drooling is affecting your sleep, causing skin irritation or making you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. Your doctor can help figure out what’s causing it and suggest treatment to help you feel better.
Sialorrhea treatment
If you’re dealing with excessive drooling, there are several ways to help manage it and improve your daily comfort. The best treatment depends on what’s causing the drooling and how severe it is. Your doctor can work with you to create a plan that fits your needs.
Medication
Medication can help reduce the amount of saliva your body makes, which may ease drooling and improve daily comfort. Your doctor will work with you to find the treatment that best fits your symptoms and overall health.
- Anticholinergic medications: These medicines, such as glycopyrrolate or scopolamine, slow down saliva production. They’re available as pills, liquids or skin patches. Your doctor will monitor for side effects and adjust the dosage if needed.
- Botulinum toxin injections: Medication is injected into the salivary glands to temporarily reduce saliva flow. Many people notice improvement within a week or two, and results typically last a few months. It’s a quick procedure done in the doctor’s office and may need to be repeated to maintain relief.
Therapy
Therapies like speech therapy and occupational therapy can be helpful for managing drooling, especially if it’s related to muscle weakness or trouble swallowing.
- Speech therapy: This type of therapy helps strengthen the muscles in your mouth and throat. A speech therapist will guide you through simple exercises that make it easier to swallow and control saliva. These exercises can also improve your speech and help reduce how often you drool.
- Occupational therapy: This type of therapy focuses on practical tips and techniques to help with everyday activities. An occupational therapist might show you how to improve your posture or head position to reduce drooling. They can also suggest tools, like special cups or utensils, and ways to protect your skin if it gets irritated from saliva.
Both therapies work together to help you feel more comfortable and confident while managing symptoms in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Surgery
If other treatments don’t work and drooling is severe, surgery might be an option. Surgery can reduce saliva production or change how saliva flows in your mouth. Because surgery involves risks, it’s usually considered only after trying other treatments. Your doctor will explain what to expect and help decide if surgery is right for you.
Find specialized care for excessive drooling
At Baylor Scott & White, we offer several locations in North and Central Texas for the treatment of sialorrhea and related neurological disorders. Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis, need treatment options or looking for ongoing support, we’re here for you.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75702
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Advanced Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Touchstone Imaging Tyler
2019 Old Troup Hwy , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
1814 Roseland Blvd Ste 100, Tyler, TX, 75701
Glen Oaks Hospital
301 Division St , Greenville, TX, 75401
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital - Sherman
3601 N Calais St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care+ Sherman
4028 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital Urgent Care - Tyler
8101 S Broadway Ave , Tyler, TX, 75703
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Texas Vascular Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Spine & Scoliosis Center - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 200, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates Pediatrics - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 110, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Gastroenterology - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Outpatient Rehabilitation - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 120, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Endoscopy Center - Sherman
1615 US-75 Ste B, Sherman, TX, 75090
Sherman Endoscopy Center
1615 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Women's Care & Continence Center - Sherman
260 E Evergreen St , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Texas Vascular Associates - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 105, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Sherman
204 Medical Dr Ste 240, Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Anna
601 S. Ferguson Pkwy Ste 100, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Royse City
594 W Interstate 30 , Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd Ste 104, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - McKinney Red Bud
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney Lake Forest
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069