From the Guidelines
Excessive drooling in a two-year-old is typically a normal developmental behavior that will resolve on its own, and most children gain better control of their saliva between ages 2-4 as their oral motor skills develop. According to the study on motor delays 1, a complete physical examination with special attention to the neurologic examination and evaluation of vision and hearing is essential when there are concerns regarding the quality or progression of a child’s motor development. However, in the absence of other concerning symptoms, drooling in a two-year-old is usually not a cause for concern.
Key Considerations
- Most children outgrow excessive drooling naturally as their nervous system matures and they develop better control of their oral muscles.
- If the drooling is sudden, excessive, accompanied by difficulty swallowing, speech delays, or other concerning symptoms, it is essential to consult a pediatrician to rule out potential issues like enlarged adenoids, allergies, or oral motor delays.
- The study on preparation for emergencies in the offices of pediatricians and pediatric primary care providers 1 highlights the importance of being aware of potential emergency situations, but it does not provide specific guidance on managing drooling in a two-year-old.
Management
- Use a soft bib or bandana to catch the drool and apply a gentle barrier cream like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide to protect the skin around the mouth and chin from irritation.
- Gently remind your child to swallow or close their mouth to help them develop awareness.
- Offer appropriate teething toys or a cold washcloth to chew on for temporary relief of drooling during teething.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Dribbling in Toddlers
- Dribbling in toddlers can be a normal part of development, but excessive dribbling may be a cause for concern.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that glycopyrrolate is used to treat dribbling in toddlers.
- The studies provided focus on the use of glycopyrrolate in treating conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 2, 3, hyperhidrosis 4, and its pharmacology and clinical use 5, 6.
- None of the studies mention dribbling in toddlers as a condition that can be treated with glycopyrrolate.
Possible Causes of Dribbling
- Dribbling in toddlers can be caused by a variety of factors, including teething, mouth breathing, and poor oral motor skills.
- However, there is no research evidence provided to support the use of glycopyrrolate in treating these conditions.
- Further research would be needed to determine the effectiveness of glycopyrrolate in treating dribbling in toddlers, but based on the provided studies, it is not a recommended treatment option 5, 6, 2, 4, 3.