Learning how to control drooling is one of the most common concerns for parents of toddlers and for caregivers of adults with neurological conditions. Drooling is defined as saliva flowing out of the mouth unintentionally. It is usually caused by weak or underdeveloped muscles around the mouth.
Drooling can also be socially embarrassing for the person affected and for their family or caregivers. The good news is that speech therapy offers effective, practical ways to help.
When Is Drooling a Concern?
In babies and young toddlers, drooling is a normal part of development and is not considered a medical problem. As the muscles of the mouth mature, most children naturally learn to control drooling.
Drooling becomes a concern when it continues or develops because of an underlying condition, such as:
- Developmental delay
- Cerebral palsy
- Acquired speech and language difficulties in adults and elderly people, for example after a stroke
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
What Causes Drooling in Children and Adults?
Drooling often happens when the mouth is constantly open, the lips do not seal properly, and sensation around the mouth is reduced.
In many cases, this is caused by damage to the central nervous system. The damage reduces sensation in the orbicularis oris, the circular muscle around the lips. Without normal sensation, the person may not notice saliva building up, and the lips do not close firmly enough to keep it in.
Drooling is also closely linked to swallowing. When a person does not swallow often enough, saliva collects and spills out. Learn more about swallowing difficulties in older adults, and see the NHS guide to swallowing problems.
How Speech Therapy Helps Control Drooling
A speech therapist works to improve sensation and muscle control around the mouth, so the person becomes more aware of saliva and can close their lips more effectively. Two proven techniques are oral stimulation massage and kinesiology taping.
Oral Stimulation Massage with Speech Probes
Speech therapists use speech correction probes (also called logopedic probes) to massage and stimulate the muscles of the cheeks and lips. This stimulation increases sensory awareness in the area, helping the person notice saliva and respond by closing their lips or swallowing.
Kinesiology Taping for Drooling
After the massage, the therapist places kinesiology tape over the circular muscles of the mouth. The tape gives continuous sensory feedback, keeping the person aware of the area around their lips after the session ends.
The tape must be placed in exactly the right position. The therapist gradually increases how long it is worn as therapy progresses, typically starting at about 4 hours and building to 6 hours and then 8 hours. Over time, this improved awareness leads to a better lip seal, which helps control drooling.
Kinesiology taping should always be applied and supervised by a trained speech therapist.
Benefits of Speech Therapy at Home
Receiving speech therapy at home has several advantages for both children and adults:
- Therapy takes place in a familiar, comfortable environment.
- Parents and caregivers can watch sessions and learn how to support progress between visits.
- There is no need to travel to a clinic, which is especially helpful for elderly patients or those with limited mobility.
- The therapist can see how drooling affects daily routines, such as mealtimes, and tailor the plan accordingly.
Speech Therapy at Home in Dubai
Enayati provides speech therapy at home across Dubai for children and adults. Our therapists create a personalised plan to help control drooling, improve oral muscle awareness, and support better quality of life.
For more information, call us on 055-3520186.
