Dribbling

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When do babies stop

dribbling?

 

What can excessive

dribbling

mean?

Dribbling is a normal part of a baby’s life. It happens when a baby cannot control the saliva within their mouth.

 

Dribbling usually peaks between the 9 to 18 month period, the time a baby is usually teething!

 

Sometimes dribbling can go on for longer (past the age of 4 is considered abnormal) or can be so excessive it feels like you have a never-ending pile of saturated tops and bibs! Not only can this cause skin irritation, but it can also sometimes be a bit smelly.

 

These difficulties are not caused by the baby having too much saliva, but instead are caused by the child’s difficulty managing the saliva.

 

This could simply mean the child is not swallowing enough, or that they are keeping their enough mouths open (and tongue forwards), or even may indicate low motor tone and sensory input (which means that they often don’t feel the saliva come out of their mouth).

 

At times it can also be linked with large adenoids and tonsils. The common explorative habit for babies of putting fingers or toys in their mouth to chew on, can also stimulate the salivary glands which produces more saliva!

 

But saliva is important! It helps you to chew your food, maximises taste in your food, helps keep your mouth moist so you can talk, and the bacteria in saliva is valuable for keeping your teeth clean.

 

What can you do?

 

If you are concerned about your child’s saliva management, you can book in for a Speech Pathology assessment to determine the right pathway forward to support your baby and reduce those washing piles!

Ishwari Samarakoon

Written by

Ish is the visionary owner and Principal Speech Pathologist at Speech Therapy Services. With an extensive career spanning the public health and education sectors, she made a profound impact as the founding Speech Pathologist at the Peel Language Development Centre, establishing their school-based programs. Ish’s expertise lies in communication therapies, focusing on autism, ADHD, behavior, and food therapy. She believes in empowering parents to understand their child’s needs, creating a harmonious household and nurturing emotional regulation for the entire family. Ish strives to help not only the child but the entire household thrive, resulting in happier, more fulfilling lives. Outside of her professional pursuits, Ish finds joy in travel, food, and culture, while continuously seeking knowledge. With her unwavering commitment to transforming lives, she leaves a profound impact on the families she supports, making a lasting impression that extends well beyond her therapy sessions.