Why does drooling occur during sleep?
Disease description:
I just recently realized that it's not only children who drool during sleep at night; even adults like myself can drool while sleeping. I wonder if it could be related to my recent toothache. I would like to ask the doctor: why do we drool during sleep?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
There are several causes of drooling during sleep, mainly including:
1. Improper sleeping posture: Sleeping on your side or stomach may lead to poor breathing and induce mouth breathing, which can result in drooling.
2. Oral problems: Oral diseases such as mouth ulcers, cavities, and gingivitis can stimulate increased saliva production, leading to drooling during sleep.
3. Neurological regulation disorders: Conditions such as facial nerve paralysis and Parkinson's disease may weaken muscle control around the throat, resulting in drooling.
4. Digestive system issues: Conditions such as indigestion and acid reflux may also stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva.
5. Other factors: Improper medication use, facial nerve inflammation, and stroke symptoms may also cause drooling during sleep.
If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
