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Drooling in developmentally normal children: a review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 November 2024

Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya Open the ORCID record for Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya [Opens in a new window] ,
Graeme van der Meer  and
Ed C Toll
Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya*
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Starship Children's Hospital, Te Whatu Ora, Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Graeme van der Meer
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Starship Children's Hospital, Te Whatu Ora, Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Ed C Toll
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, Starship Children's Hospital, Te Whatu Ora, Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
*
Corresponding author: Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective

Drooling or saliva spillage has been explored widely among children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Yet, the approach to drooling in an otherwise developmentally normal child remains unexplored, as it is regarded as self-limiting. Nonetheless, drooling beyond age 4 in the awake stage should raise concern.

Methods

This narrative review aims to shed light on drooling in developmentally normal children, also known as ‘healthy droolers’, and the available evidence on its management.

Results

Most notable factors causing saliva spillage include poor oral-motor control and impaired oral sensation. Delayed saliva acquisition may be an early indicator of developmental or intellectual delay. Drooling impairs both the children's and parents' overall quality of life significantly.

Conclusion

Healthy droolers can be managed by simple behavioural therapy and reassurance.

Keywords

Sialorrheadroolingsalivation controlsalivary glandschild development
Type
Review Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 138 , Issue 11 , November 2024 , pp. 1061 - 1064
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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