What causes drooling during sleep at night?

Generally, drooling during sleep at night may be caused by improper sleeping posture, dry mouth, excessive fatigue, chronic periodontitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Improper Sleeping Posture

When sleeping on one's side or stomach, pressure may be exerted on the parotid glands, leading to increased saliva production and drooling from the corners of the mouth. Adjusting poor sleeping postures—such as avoiding side or prone positions and instead sleeping on the back—can help alleviate this issue.

2. Dry Mouth

Dryness in the mouth at night may trigger overproduction of saliva in an attempt to restore oral moisture, resulting in drooling. Maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, and using fluoride-containing mouthwash can reduce discomfort caused by dry mouth.

3. Excessive Fatigue

Extended periods of work or study may lead to physical exhaustion, impairing the normal regulatory function of the nervous system and causing drooling during sleep. It is important to manage work and study schedules wisely and ensure sufficient rest and sleep.

4. Chronic Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is often associated with bacterial infections. Inflammation increases the number of bacteria in the mouth, stimulating the salivary glands to produce more saliva at night to cleanse the oral cavity, which may result in drooling during sleep. This condition may also be accompanied by symptoms such as swollen, painful, or bleeding gums. It is recommended to take medications such as minocycline hydrochloride tablets, metronidazole tablets, or amoxicillin capsules under a doctor’s guidance.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly linked to unhealthy eating habits, obesity, or prolonged stress. Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus and mouth irritates the salivary glands, causing them to produce excess saliva, which may lead to nighttime drooling. Symptoms such as chest pain and heartburn may also occur. Treatment may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or ranitidine tablets, taken under medical supervision.

In daily life, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid excessive fatigue, and adjust sleeping posture to reduce episodes of nighttime drooling.