Dental management of patients suffering from drooling: Review and update

Saliva has an important role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the oral structures. Sialorrhea is a condition wherein there is spillage of saliva beyond the margins of lip. Depending on the severity, sialorrhea might negatively affect the physical, functional psychological and social wellbeing of the patient as well as of their families and caregivers. Drooling can occur as a result of hypersalivation, oral muscle incordination or swallowing defect. Assessment of drooling includes detailed history taking and examination of the patient along with required investigations. As drooling can be a potential hazard during dental treatment, its optimum management is of utmost importance. Treatment options for sialorrhea span from conservative approaches such as modifications in diet or prescribed medications, oral muscleexercises, intraoral training devices, behavior modifications, biofeedback and speech therapy to more aggressive treatment choices such as medications includingglycopyrrolate, botulinum toxin etc., surgery or radiation therapy.