What Causes Excess Drool in Babies?

Why Babies Drool

• When babies are about 3 months old, their salivary glands mature. The glands produce saliva to help digest food and to aid in the elimination of waste in the body. Around the same time that babies develop mature salivary glands, they start learning how to chew on things like their hands. Chewing triggers the production of saliva, but babies cannot yet swallow the saliva they produce at this age, which can result in drooling.

Teething

• Teething is one of the most common reasons for excess drool in babies. Teething can irritate the gums, which can trigger excess saliva production. Babies are also likely to chew on things more often while teething in an attempt to relieve their sore gums. The excess chewing can trigger saliva production, which can result in excess drool. Parents can give their babies safe and soothing items to chew on, such as a cold washcloth or a mesh bag with frozen fruit, to relieve gums. A bib can catch some of the excess drool, and a barrier cream on the face can prevent rash.

Genetics

• Some babies just drool a lot. Dr. William Sears refers to this as a "quirk" that is normal and harmless but can be annoying. Genetics causes some babies to salivate more than others, and excess drool can continue to be a problem until they learn how to swallow the saliva to keep it under control. Dr. Sears recommends a barrier cream, as with teething, and placing babies to sleep on their sides when they are old enough to do so safely.

The Upside of Drooling

• Though drooling can be irritating for parents, who always have to clean it up, it can be beneficial for babies. Drooling is a sign that a baby is producing a healthy amount of saliva, which helps to break down food for easier digestion. When babies start to eat solid foods, adequate saliva production will help to moisten food to lower the risk of choking and will provide a jump start on digestion, which will help a baby's developing digestive tract. Healthy levels of saliva also rinse bacteria from the mouth and teeth, helping to keep it clean.