What is sialorrhea?
It must first be mentioned that all children go through phases of drooling, particularly while concentrating. Excessive drooling (sialorrhea or ptyalism) however is typically seen in two groups of children. The first group are children with neurologic disorders that prevent recognition of saliva pooling in the mouth or hinder the act of swallowing. The second group have longstanding nasal obstruction, and can not close the mouth to swallow for breathing concerns. Regardless of the underlying causes, sialorrhea can be a source of significant family distress, and may resist medical or swallowing therapy. Children with recalcitrant sialorrhea are treated with bilateral submandibular gland removal or duct rerouting in conjuction with parotid duct ligation. This provides the best long term success, while allowing the smaller glands that remain to provide lubrication to the mouth and reduce dental disease.
