Why Is Saliva Leaking From the Corners of My Mouth?

Your mouth usually makes saliva to help with chewing and swallowing, and you swallow it without noticing. However, if something causes you not to swallow often enough or if the muscles around your mouth don’t work properly, extra saliva can build up and leak from the corners of your mouth. This is described as sialorrhea. Weakness in the muscles that close your lips, irregularities in nerve signals, or effects from certain medications can lead to this imbalance. Neurological conditions can also affect how well your body controls saliva, making drooling more likely to occur on the edges of your mouth. Additionally, changes in the saliva glands themselves, or even conditions that alter the normal dryness or moisture in your mouth, may play a part. If you notice that saliva is regularly leaking from the corners of your mouth, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider. They can check for any underlying issues, such as problems with swallowing or nerve function, and help you find ways to manage the drooling.