What Causes Drooling on One Side of the Mouth?

When saliva leaks from just one side of your mouth, it might be because the muscles or nerves on that side aren’t working as well as those on the other side. This can cause your mouth to have difficulty clearing saliva properly, leading to drooling on that specific side. Sometimes, one salivary gland may be more active or irritated, producing extra saliva that isn’t easily managed. Additionally, certain drugs can alter saliva secretion and affect one side more noticeably if there is an existing imbalance in how your mouth controls saliva. Conditions affecting the nerves, such as after a minor stroke or other neurological issue, might also lead to uneven swallowing or lip closure, which can result in drooling on one side. If you find this drooling persistent or bothersome, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider. They can assess your muscle function, examine any medication side effects, and determine if there is an underlying condition that needs attention to help manage the drooling effectively.