Do you often wake with a wet spot on your pillow or chapped lips? You could suffer from chronic drooling. While everyone does it from time to time, such as when you are sick, if it occurs more often than not, it can be a leading source of embarrassment. Although it may cause you to feel insecure about your sleeping habits, it does not pose a risk to your health. To stop the excessive drooling, there are several things you can do at home. Your dentist in Brookfield has the tips you need.
Why Am I Drooling?
Drooling is normal for infants and young children because they have not developed the muscle control that is necessary to swallow frequently while sleeping. As they age, they often outgrow the issue. For some adults, they may never outgrow it, or it can be a new problem that has recently developed.
Excessive drooling is due to an accumulation of saliva in your mouth while you sleep. When you do not swallow enough, it will cause your saliva to collect on the sides of your mouth. Eventually, it will seep out if you do not swallow.
Can I Stop Drooling?
Thankfully, there are several changes that you can make at home to help stop unnecessary drooling.
- Change Your Sleep Position: If you tend to sleep on your side or stomach, it makes it easy for saliva to escape your mouth. By sleeping on your back, it will encourage you to swallow more often to reduce the accumulation in your mouth.
- Treat Nasal Congestion: Allergies and sinus problems can lead to inflammation in your nasal passages. This can make it difficult to breathe through your nose, leading to mouth breathing. By treating the congestion, you can help to decrease your saliva production.
What If Home Treatment Isn’t Enough?
If changes at home have failed to give you the relief you need, it is time to speak with your family dentist in Brookfield. They will help to identify the underlying cause of the problem. In some cases, they may suggest the use of certain medications that are designed to decrease saliva production. For some, Botox injections may be recommended, which will help to temporarily paralyze your salivary glands.
Stop Drooling Today!
If you are ready to stop drooling, your dentist offers the solutions you need. Take the time to discuss your concerns during your next routine appointment to get the relief you need.
About Elmbrook Family Dental, S.C.
At Elmbrook Family Dental, we are dedicated to providing the personalized services families in the area need for a healthy smile. We offer complete dental care under one roof for patients of all ages. In addition to helping our patients achieve healthy teeth and gums, we also strive to improve their quality of life through individualized solutions. If you are dealing with excessive drooling, we can help you treat the issue, so you can sleep soundly. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.