Behavioural Therapy and Oral Motor Therapy in Managing Drooling in Children

Drooling, also known as sialorrhoea, is a common issue in children with neurodevelopmental problems, especially those with cerebral palsy and other oral motor dysfunctions. Severe drooling can lead to significant medical, social, and emotional challenges, including potential aspiration risk, skin irritation, and social issues. This chapter will look at the speech-language therapist’s (SLT) roles in using behavioural approaches and oral motor therapy (OMT) for the management of drooling in the paediatric population. Previous clinical studies indicate that both behavioural and oral motor therapies (OMT) have significant short-term effects on reducing anterior drooling; however, long-term outcomes require consistent therapy sessions and the engagement of family members. The integration of behavioural cues, oral sensory stimulation, postural control, and structured oral motor programmes has a significant impact for children with mild-to-moderate drooling and adequate cognitive abilities. A multidisciplinary, individualised, and family-centred approach is necessary to effectively manage drooling in children.