How can one stop drooling? The image that often comes to mind when thinking of nighttime drooling is a comical one: a person with saliva dripping from the corner of their mouth. It's commonly overlooked. During sleep, our salivary muscles and glands relax, leading to excessive drooling, also known as hypersalivation or sialorrhea.
If you find yourself drooling excessively, leaving saliva stains on your pillow, particularly as a side sleeper, this article is for you. It will enlighten you about the causes, treatments, and other useful information.
What Causes Drooling?
It may come as a surprise that our salivary glands produce less saliva during sleep. So, why do we drool? The answer lies in gravity.
There are numerous reasons for drooling; let's examine a few:
1. Using a Night Guard:
For some, wearing a dental night guard can be uncomfortable. Having something in your mouth all night can feel odd, and it may take a month to adjust properly.
While drooling is not inherently bad or shameful, using a night guard can lead to drooling.
2. Sleeping Position:
Sleeping positions significantly influence drooling. Individuals who predominantly sleep on their side or stomach tend to drool more than those who sleep on their back.
Mouth breathing during sleep can also increase drooling due to relaxed muscles and the effect of gravity.
Many are unaware that this is a contributing factor to drooling.
3. Acidity:
Acidity, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), leads to drooling in numerous individuals. The stomach's inconsistent acid levels force fluids back up, causing throat discomfort.
4. Sinus Blockage:
A blocked nose, whether from a cold, infection, or other issues, can be a primary cause of drooling. Sinus congestion forces mouth breathing, leading to increased drooling when nasal passages are obstructed.
5. Tonsillitis:
Tonsillitis can cause throat inflammation, narrowing the pathway for saliva glands. Excessive swelling may impact these glands, resulting in saliva production during sleep.
6. Swallowing Problem:
Experts assert that swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, can lead to excessive drooling. In this condition, one may struggle to swallow even their own saliva.
7. Side Effects of Medication:
Research indicates that certain medications or antibiotics may be responsible for sialorrhea, or excessive drooling.
8. Neurological Disorders:
Neurological issues involving the brain, lips, jaw, or mouth can lead to drooling. Allergic reactions may also trigger the production of excess saliva.
9. Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea is a severe condition characterized by breathing difficulties during sleep. If you experience excessive drooling, it's crucial to seek a proper diagnosis from a doctor.
How to Stop Drooling:
1. Change in Sleeping Posture:
A simple adjustment, such as sleeping on your back, can alleviate this issue. This position naturally encourages saliva to remain in the mouth and be swallowed.
Initially, this may be challenging, especially if you're accustomed to sleeping on your side or stomach, but with practice, it can help reduce drooling.
2. Surgery:
Individuals with neurological disorders often resort to surgery. The procedure involves the removal of salivary glands and typically has a high success rate.
However, experts recommend exploring other options and attempting natural or simpler treatments, as surgery may not be affordable for everyone.
3. Mandibular Device System:
The mandibular advancement device is readily available and functions like a nightguard, which you place in your mouth during sleep. It helps prevent snoring and drooling.
4. CPAP Technique:
A CPAP machine aids in proper breathing and maintaining correct posture. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and is used to treat sleep apnea.
5. Botox Injection:
How can Botox injections stop drooling? Some believe that Botox injections near the mouth can reduce excessive drooling. While it can be effective, this treatment is temporary, and the problem may recur.
Do's and Don'ts
Do's:
- Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting our oral health from infection, so it's important to improve poor eating habits.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Remember, drooling is treatable and nothing to be ashamed of; maintain a positive outlook.
- Natural remedies and changes in sleeping habits can help resolve drooling.
- If you experience significant issues or discomfort, contact a doctor immediately to discuss your symptoms.
- In infants or toddlers, drooling is normal, so there's no need for concern.
Don'ts:
- Refrain from excessive alcohol or drug use, as they can impair your control.
- Never take medication without a doctor's prescription, and seek medical advice if you notice any adverse effects.
- At last, we must say that there is nothing weird if you are wetting the pillow. Many times it is natural when you are in deep sleep and lost control of your muscles.
Source: righthomeremedies.com
