Drooling occurs when saliva production is not contained in the mouth. The act of drooling is common among healthy babies and serves several physiological functions. Gastroesophageal reflux or teething may stimulate drooling when your baby drinks from a bottle. However, drooling accompanied by excessive spit-up may indicate a more serious health condition and warrants concern.
Drooling
Drooling in your newborn typically begins around 2 months of age. A baby’s saliva contains digestive enzymes, which assist in breaking down certain foods. Additionally, saliva aids in neutralizing stomach acid, which helps develop the intestinal lining and also heals the lining of the esophagus after your baby spits up. Infants produce no more saliva than the average adult. However, babies have not learned how to swallow their saliva and often allow it to flow from the side of their mouth.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Approximately 66 percent of all babies experience gastroesophageal reflux, according to practicing pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Reflux symptoms, such as spitting up and drooling, may begin as early as 2 weeks, climax at 4 months and disappear by 7 months. Your baby may spit up while feeding from a bottle, which may appear as excessive drooling. This is commonly caused by gastroesophageal reflux, characterized by an underdeveloped muscle between the esophagus and stomach. In more serious cases of gastroesophageal reflux, your baby may experience excessive drooling, erratic feeding habits and pain after eating. To reduce spit-up, feed your baby in an upright position, burping the baby every three to five minutes.
Teething
The primary cause of drooling among infants is teething. However, teething usually does not begin until around 6 months. In exceptional cases, babies begin teething much earlier, and some babies are born with teeth. If you suspect your baby is teething, watch for signs and symptoms, such as red, inflamed gums, difficulty feeding, restlessness, irritability, crying and excessive drooling. Inspect your baby’s gums by rubbing your finger along the gum line or viewing the gum line for erupting teeth to confirm or negate suspicions.
Other Considerations
Drooling accompanied by difficulty feeding, a weak cry, fever, lack of weight gain, mouth sores, high-pitched respiratory sounds or developmental delay may indicate a serious health concern. If your baby spits up more than 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, experiences fewer wet diapers, vomits forcefully or regurgitates brown or green liquid, contact your baby’s pediatrician immediately for an examination.
