Introduction to Drooling in Paediatric Population

Drooling, or sialorrhoea, a frequent clinical concern in paediatric practice, is defined as the unintentional loss of saliva resulting primarily from impaired oral sensory-motor control rather than excessive salivary production. Whilst physiological during infancy, persistence beyond early childhood may indicate underlying disturbances in swallowing coordination, neuromuscular function, or sensory processing. Traditionally associated with neurological conditions, the ramifications extend beyond physical symptoms, affecting psychosocial well-being, caregiver burden, and quality of life. This chapter provides an overview of the developmental basis, epidemiology, clinical presentation, assessment principles, and general management approaches to drooling in children, establishing a foundation for understanding its evaluation and treatment in paediatric practice.