Is my two-year-old (2) experiencing excessive drooling?

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Last updated: May 16, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

To address excessive dribbling in a two-year-old child, focus on consistent potty training techniques and patience, as dribbling is a normal part of the potty training process. When considering the best approach to manage excessive dribbling in a two-year-old, it's essential to prioritize techniques that promote bladder control and awareness of bodily sensations.

  • Establish a regular bathroom schedule, taking your child to the toilet every 1-2 hours during waking hours.
  • Use positive reinforcement like stickers or praise when they successfully use the toilet.
  • Dress your child in easily removable clothing and consider using training pants rather than diapers during the day.
  • Watch for signs that your child needs to urinate, such as fidgeting or holding themselves, and promptly guide them to the bathroom. According to the provided evidence, there is no direct study that addresses dribbling in a two-year-old child 1. However, the studies suggest that consistent techniques and patience are crucial in managing similar conditions, such as swallowing dysfunction in children with ataxia telangiectasia 1. It's also important to note that children gain bladder control gradually as their nervous system matures and they develop awareness of bodily sensations. If dribbling persists beyond age 4 or is accompanied by pain, unusual frequency, or other concerning symptoms, consult your pediatrician to rule out medical causes. In general, nighttime dryness often takes longer to achieve than daytime control, and it's not uncommon for children to experience accidents during this period. By following these guidelines and maintaining a patient and consistent approach, you can help your child overcome excessive dribbling and achieve successful potty training.

From the Research

Dysphagia in Children

  • There is no direct evidence to suggest that the provided studies are relevant to a 2-year-old dribbling too much, as the studies focus on dysphagia in neurological disorders and swallowing disorders in adults 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The studies discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and management of dysphagia in adults with neurological conditions, but do not provide information on dribbling in children.
  • Dribbling in children may be a normal part of development, but it can also be a sign of an underlying issue, such as a neurological or developmental disorder.
  • Further research would be needed to determine the cause of dribbling in a 2-year-old and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Available Research

  • The available studies provide information on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of dysphagia in adults with neurological conditions, but do not address dribbling in children 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The studies discuss the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia in adults, but do not provide guidance on how to address dribbling in children.
  • More research is needed to understand the causes and consequences of dribbling in children and to develop effective treatment strategies.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Dysphagia in Neurological Disorders.

Seminars in neurology, 2023

Research

Swallowing and dysphagia in neurological disorders.

Reviews in neurological diseases, 2010

Research

Dysphagia and Swallowing Disorders.

The Medical clinics of North America, 2021

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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