Is it normal for a two-year-old toddler to drool while sleeping?
Dec 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
A 2-year-old child drooling during sleep may be a normal occurrence, or it could result from pathological causes such as colds, oral ulcers, herpes, or tonsillitis. If the child has recently caught a cold accompanied by nasal congestion, they may breathe through the mouth at night, leading to drooling. In this case, ensure the child drinks plenty of water and administer medications such as Cold Relief Granules or Pediatric Paracetamol and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Granules orally.
Drooling during sleep in a two-year-old child may be a normal phenomenon, or it could result from pathological causes such as colds, oral ulcers, herpes, or tonsillitis.
I. Normal Phenomenon
This commonly occurs in infants around 3–4 months of age. At this stage, babies are experiencing rapid development of their salivary glands, but their swallowing function is not yet fully mature. The imbalance between saliva secretion and swallowing leads to drooling. As the child grows older, swallowing ability gradually improves.
II. Pathological Causes
1. Cold: If a two-year-old has recently caught a cold accompanied by nasal congestion, they may breathe through the mouth while sleeping, which can cause drooling. In such cases, ensure the child drinks plenty of fluids and administer appropriate medications such as cold remedies or pediatric paracetamol-phenyl Ephedrine granules. Once nasal congestion due to the cold improves, drooling during sleep will also subside.
2. Oral Ulcers: If the child frequently cries, especially during feeding, this may be due to oral ulcers, which can lead to drooling during sleep. Oral ulcers are often caused by deficiencies in vitamin B or trace elements such as zinc. It is recommended to supplement vitamin B and zinc gluconate oral solution under medical guidance, which can help reduce drooling during sleep.
3. Herpes or Tonsillitis: If the child has herpes or inflamed tonsils with throat pus, discomfort or pain may make it difficult for them to swallow saliva, resulting in drooling during sleep. Parents should promptly take the child to the hospital. After identifying the cause, treatment with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, or antiviral therapies should be initiated.
Drooling may also be associated with conditions such as intellectual disability or distinctive facial features, possibly caused by certain genetic or metabolic disorders; therefore, timely medical evaluation is essential.
