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EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association EPDA - European Parkinsons Disease Association
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What is drooling?

Drooling occurs when saliva builds up in the mouth, mainly due to difficulties swallowing, and begins to leak out. The terms ‘sialorrhoea’ and ‘drooling’ tend to be used interchangeably.

Drooling can cause considerable social embarrassment, and it may make the skin around the mouth sore. Clothes often become stained and breath may be stale as the saliva pools in the mouth. If excessive saliva is inhaled by mistake it can cause aspiration pneumonia, so it is important that it is managed well both for personal safety and to improve quality of life.

Did you know?

Saliva is necessary for digestion. It lubricates the throat to make swallowing easier and contains enzymes that break down food. It also assists with oral hygiene as saliva helps break down plaque, too.

 

Acknowledgement


We would like to thank the following for their contributions to this information:

  • Julia Johnson, Speech and language therapist, Regional Neurosciences Centre, King’s College Hospital, London & Clinical Advisor on Progressive Neurological Disease, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, London 

We would like to acknowledge use of the following source(s) in compiling this information:

EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA EPDA