What causes drooping at the corner of the mouth and drooling?
Sep 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
In general, drooling and facial drooping may be caused by muscle relaxation, gingivitis, facial neuritis, inflammation in the oral or pharyngeal areas, cerebral thrombosis, etc. In addition, conditions such as Parkinson's disease and cerebral hemorrhage can also cause facial asymmetry and drooling. When experiencing any physical discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance to avoid delaying the condition.
Generally speaking, drooling with crooked mouth corners may be caused by muscle relaxation, gingivitis, facial nerve inflammation, oropharyngeal inflammation, cerebral thrombosis, and other conditions. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Muscle relaxation
Muscle relaxation includes laxity of the muscles in the pharynx and face, leading to reduced local control over saliva, causing patients to drool involuntarily. Additionally, the corners of the mouth may become distorted. This symptom of muscle relaxation is primarily considered due to spleen deficiency and can be treated with dietary therapy using foods that warm and tonify the spleen yang.
2. Gingivitis
When a patient has gingivitis, excessive secretion from oral glands may lead to involuntary drooling. Once oral inflammation occurs, it is important to promptly visit a reputable dental department for examination and receive symptomatic treatment as directed by a physician, including anti-inflammatory medications such as metronidazole fenbufen capsules or metronidazole buccal tablets.
3. Facial nerve inflammation
When facial nerve inflammation occurs, patients may experience facial distortion (including crooked mouth and eyes) and drooling. They should go to the hospital for relevant examinations and, under medical guidance, use neurotrophic drugs such as mecobalamin tablets and vitamin B1 tablets for treatment. At the same time, applying warm compresses with a hot towel to the affected area may also help.
4. Oropharyngeal inflammation
Inflammation in the oropharyngeal region—including pharyngitis, irritation from dentures, or glandular inflammation—can cause excessive glandular secretion, resulting in involuntary drooling. Patients are advised to seek timely evaluation at an established dental or oral medicine department and follow medical advice for appropriate treatment.
5. Cerebral thrombosis
During an episode of cerebral thrombosis, impaired blood circulation may lead to localized vascular blockage, commonly causing symptoms such as a crooked mouth and drooling, as well as dizziness and weakness. Patients may be treated under medical supervision with medications such as urokinase for injection and enteric-coated aspirin capsules to promote blood circulation.
Besides the above, drooling with a crooked mouth may also be caused by diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or cerebral hemorrhage. It is essential to seek prompt medical attention when experiencing bodily discomfort to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
