While kids drooling in their sleep is common, many adults also drool when they sleep, which can be embarrassing.
In children, it happens because they do not have proper control over their mouth and senses. However, if drooling happens in adults, something definitely needs to be done.
Here is what exactly causes drooling and what you can do to control it.
1. Production of excess saliva
Saliva is important for us as it has a lot of minerals and can heal our wounds. But when you are suffering from any kind of infection, injury or another medical issue, your body tends to produce more saliva, which may lead to drooling while in sleep.
2. Sleeping positions
Some people sleep with their mouth open while resting on their bellies. This position can also lead to drooling.
3. Nasal blockage
Blocked nostrils due to cold can make it difficult for you to breathe. This can lead to excessive salivation and an open mouth gives way to saliva to drool down while breathing.
Ways to stop drooling
1. Change your sleeping position
The easiest way to stop drooling is by changing your sleeping position. Instead of sleeping on your belly, try sleeping on your back. This way you will be able to control your mouth and the saliva won’t trickle down your face.
2. Try citrus fruits
Citrus fruits help in thinning the saliva and can efficiently prevent drooling. You can have some lemon water or eat some other citrus fruit before you go to sleep.
3. Using an oral appliance
Also called the mandibular device, an oral appliance is fitted in the mouth. Its mechanism is to keep your tongue in the proper place to prevent drooling and snoring. You can buy it online or get it from a medical shop.
4. Try speech therapy
In speech therapy, you get to train your tongue and mouth muscles to stay in a perfect position and your mind to hold your lips close together. Not just this, other exercises that help to have control over your mouth can also be done.
5. Get yourself checked
Sometimes, a medical condition called sleep apnea can also make you drool while sleeping along with other symptoms like snoring and breathlessness. It can also cause sore throat, drowsiness during the day and stress. This must not be ignored and you must get yourself checked. Sleep apnea is a serious health condition, which can further lead to many health issues.
