How often do you wake with a wet spot on your pillow? Drooling from time-to-time is normal for everyone, especially if you are sick; however, for others, it can occur more frequently. If you find yourself drooling often, there could be an underlying issue that is causing the problem. There is no need to feel embarrassed. Your dentist in Brookfield can help get to the root of the problem to give you the relief you need.
Why Am I Drooling?
Drooling most often occurs in infants and young children because they do not have control over the muscles that are responsible for swallowing. As children age, they can better control them, stopping the problem. If you are an adult who still suffers from it, there is likely a simple explanation.
Drooling occurs when your saliva accumulates on the sides of your mouth while you sleep. It often builds from not swallowing enough. By making a few simple changes, you can help to overcome the issue at home.
- Change Your Sleep Position: If you tend to sleep on your stomach or your sides, this can cause saliva to accumulate in your mouth and eventually run out through your lips. By sleeping on your back, it will encourage you to swallow more often.
- Treat Your Allergies and Sinus Problems: Nasal congestion from allergies or sinus issues is a leading cause of drooling. When you cannot breathe through your nose properly, it can lead to mouth breathing. As a result, it makes it easier for drool to seep out. By reducing the inflammation in your nasal passages, you can help to stop it.
- Treat Acid Reflux: Gastric acids are believed to promote excessive saliva production. By treating GERD, you can help to reduce the amount of gastric acid that irritates your esophagus.
What If Changes at Home Aren’t Enough?
If changes at home are not enough to stop drooling, it is time to get help from your dentist in Brookfield. Using a custom-fit oral appliance, your tongue will be repositioned, and your lips will close correctly to encourage more frequent swallowing. In some cases, medications can be used to further help decrease the problem.
Stop Drooling Tonight!
Although there are no direct health risks of drooling, it can negatively impact your self-esteem, while also leading to chapping or irritation of the skin near your mouth. You do not have to feel embarrassed by it. You can sleep soundly and stop drooling tonight with help from your dentist.
If you are ready to stop drooling, contact your dentist today to see which solutions are right for you.
About Elmbrook Family Dental
Elmbrook Family Dental is committed to improving our patients’ quality of life through superior dental care. In addition to the services that are necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy, we also provide many areas of specialty, such as oral appliances. If you suffer from drooling, we can help. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.