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Try one of these related symptoms.
Drooling from corner of mouth
Drooling on one side of mouth
Drooling while sleeping
Saliva leaking from corners of mouth
Excessive saliva production
Slight drooling from mouth corners while awake
Drooling sensation on one side of mouth
Dribbling from side of mouth
Drooling from right side of mouth
Drooling from left side of mouth
Drooling while awake
Excess saliva on one side of mouth
Drooling is when saliva comes out of your mouth. Swallowing problems, muscle control issues, or excessive saliva production can cause drooling. It can also occur during sleep if you sleep with your mouth open.
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
Generally, Drooling from one side of the mouth can be related to:
A progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement. It occurs due to nerve cell damage in the brain. The exact cause for PD is unknown. Risk factors include genetics, male gender, old age, and exposure to certain toxins and environmental factors.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease in which the immune system attacks parts of the brain and spinal cord. The direct cause of MS remains unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified such as low vitamin D levels, tobacco smoking, exposure to UV radiation, childhood obesity, and infection with the virus that causes mononucleosis. The disease tends to affect young people more commonly as well as people living in higher latitudes. MS typically occurs in "attacks" which can include but are not limited to painful eye movements, blurry vision in one eye, numbness or weakness in hands or feet on one side, or double vision.
Sometimes, Drooling from one side of the mouth may be related to these serious diseases:
Characterized by sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, Bell's palsy is usually temporary and occurs on one side of the face. The exact cause is unknown but is believed to be due to swelling and inflammation of the nerve controlling the facial muscles or viral infection. Anyone can be affected by this condition, but pregnant women, those with lung infections, and those with a family history of the condition are at higher risk.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
Reviewed By:
Bret Mobley, MD, MS (Neuropathology)
Dr. Mobley graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School, completing a masters degree in neuroscience between his second and third years of medical school. He trained as a resident in pathology at Stanford University Hospital before joining the faculty of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville Tennessee in 2010. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018 and to Neuropathology Division Director in 2020.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Jan 29, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Male, 30s
I was really impressed with Ubie Health's symptom checker. It covered all my symptoms including fatigue, depression, and excessive drooling which is not something I have seen on other platforms. The results pointed me toward possible hyperthyroidism, so I scheduled an appointment with my doctor to figure out the best course of action. Its a great tool for getting quick results so I can have more of an idea of what's going on with me health-wise. I also liked how it showed me that I wasn't alone! It said there were 168 other people who had symptoms just like me in the past six months, so I didn't feel weird or embarrassed about my symptoms anymore. I highly recommend this site.
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Q.
Why Am I Drooling So Much? Common Causes of Excessive Saliva.
A.
Excess saliva production (sialorrhea) can be caused by normal body responses, medications, or medical conditions that affect how your mouth and throat work.
References:
Alhajj M, Babos M. Physiology, Salivation. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Boyce HW, Bakheet MR. Sialorrhea: a review of a vexing, often unrecognized sign of oropharyngeal and esophageal disease. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2005 Feb;39(2):89-97. PMID: 15681902.
Iorgulescu G. Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health. J Med Life. 2009 Jul-Sep;2(3):303-7. PMID: 20112475; PMCID: PMC5052503.
Q.
Can drooling lead to angular cheilitis?
A.
Yes, drooling can lead to angular cheilitis because constant moisture can irritate and break down the skin at the corners of the mouth.
References:
Bhaiyya PS, Sonar PR, Paul P, Gabhane SS, Rathi A, Dhole PD. Burning Mouth Syndrome in Association With Angular Cheilitis: A Case Report. Cureus. 2024 Aug 21;16(8):e67407. doi: 10.7759/cureus.67407. PMID: 39310405; PMCID: PMC11415152.
Lugović-Mihić L, Pilipović K, Crnarić I, Šitum M, Duvančić T. Differential Diagnosis of Cheilitis - How to Classify Cheilitis? Acta Clin Croat. 2018 Jun;57(2):342-351. doi: 10.20471/acc.2018.57.02.16. PMID: 30431729; PMCID: PMC6531998.
Q.
How can a drool rash at the corner of the mouth be treated?
A.
Treating a drool rash from the corners of the mouth usually involves keeping the area clean and dry while using protective creams and, if necessary, targeted medications.
References:
Federico JR, Basehore BM, Zito PM. Angular Chelitis. [Updated 2023 Mar 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Tolaymat L, Hall MR. Perioral Dermatitis. [Updated 2023 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Bhaiyya PS, Sonar PR, Paul P, Gabhane SS, Rathi A, Dhole PD. Burning Mouth Syndrome in Association With Angular Cheilitis: A Case Report. Cureus. 2024 Aug 21;16(8):e67407. doi: 10.7759/cureus.67407. PMID: 39310405; PMCID: PMC11415152.
Q.
Is there a connection between sweating and drooling while sleeping?
A.
Yes, there can be a connection between sweating and drooling during sleep because both are controlled by your body's autonomic system.
References:
Pearlmutter P, DeRose G, Samson C, Linehan N, Cen Y, Begdache L, Won D, Koh A. Sweat and saliva cortisol response to stress and nutrition factors. Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 4;10(1):19050. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-75871-3. PMID: 33149196; PMCID: PMC7643128.
Thie NM, Kato T, Bader G, Montplaisir JY, Lavigne GJ. The significance of saliva during sleep and the relevance of oromotor movements. Sleep Med Rev. 2002 Jun;6(3):213-27. doi: 10.1053/smrv.2001.0183. PMID: 12531122.
Kalf JG, Bloem BR, Munneke M. Diurnal and nocturnal drooling in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol. 2012 Jan;259(1):119-23. doi: 10.1007/s00415-011-6138-2. Epub 2011 Jun 23. PMID: 21698387; PMCID: PMC3251785.
Q.
What are the reasons for drooling while awake?
A.
Drooling while awake can happen when the body produces extra saliva or when swallowing isn’t working well, often due to neurological problems or side effects from medications.
References:
Polychronis S, Nasios G, Dardiotis E, Messinis L, Pagano G. Pathophysiology and Symptomatology of Drooling in Parkinson's Disease. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Mar 11;10(3):516. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10030516. PMID: 35326994; PMCID: PMC8951596.
Silvestre-Donat FJ, Silvestre-Rangil J. Drooling. Monogr Oral Sci. 2014;24:126-34. doi: 10.1159/000358793. Epub 2014 May 23. PMID: 24862600.
Freudenreich O. Drug-induced sialorrhea. Drugs Today (Barc). 2005 Jun;41(6):411-8. doi: 10.1358/dot.2005.41.6.893628. PMID: 16110348.
Q.
What causes a sensation of drooling on the left side of the mouth?
A.
A drooling sensation on one side of your mouth may happen when the nerves or muscles on that side do not manage saliva as well as the other side, sometimes due to neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
References:
Polychronis S, Nasios G, Dardiotis E, Messinis L, Pagano G. Pathophysiology and Symptomatology of Drooling in Parkinson's Disease. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Mar 11;10(3):516. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10030516. PMID: 35326994; PMCID: PMC8951596.
Iorgulescu G. Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health. J Med Life. 2009 Jul-Sep;2(3):303-7. PMID: 20112475; PMCID: PMC5052503.
Huang T, Tang LL, Zhao JY, Shang SA, Chen YC, Tian YY, Zhang YD. Drooling disrupts the brain functional connectivity network in Parkinson's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2023 Oct;29(10):3094-3107. doi: 10.1111/cns.14251. Epub 2023 May 5. PMID: 37144606; PMCID: PMC10493659.
Q.
What causes drooling from the corners of my mouth?
A.
Drooling from the corners of your mouth can happen when extra saliva builds up and isn’t swallowed, often because of conditions like burning mouth syndrome or side effects from medications.
References:
Canfora F, Calabria E, Spagnuolo G, Coppola N, Armogida NG, Mazzaccara C, Solari D, D'Aniello L, Aria M, Pecoraro G, Mignogna MD, Leuci S, Adamo D. Salivary Complaints in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Cross Sectional Study on 500 Patients. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 26;12(17):5561. doi: 10.3390/jcm12175561. PMID: 37685630; PMCID: PMC10488611.
Silvestre-Donat FJ, Silvestre-Rangil J. Drooling. Monogr Oral Sci. 2014;24:126-34. doi: 10.1159/000358793. Epub 2014 May 23. PMID: 24862600.
Freudenreich O. Drug-induced sialorrhea. Drugs Today (Barc). 2005 Jun;41(6):411-8. doi: 10.1358/dot.2005.41.6.893628. PMID: 16110348.
Q.
What causes the corner of the mouth to feel like it's drooling?
A.
The feeling of drooling at the corner of your mouth may be caused by conditions that increase saliva production or affect how you control saliva, such as burning mouth syndrome or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
References:
Canfora F, Calabria E, Spagnuolo G, Coppola N, Armogida NG, Mazzaccara C, Solari D, D'Aniello L, Aria M, Pecoraro G, Mignogna MD, Leuci S, Adamo D. Salivary Complaints in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Cross Sectional Study on 500 Patients. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 26;12(17):5561. doi: 10.3390/jcm12175561. PMID: 37685630; PMCID: PMC10488611.
Miranda-Rius J, Brunet-Llobet L, Lahor-Soler E, Farré M. Salivary Secretory Disorders, Inducing Drugs, and Clinical Management. Int J Med Sci 2015; 12(10):811-824. doi:10.7150/ijms.12912.
https://www.medsci.org/v12p0811.htm
Polychronis S, Nasios G, Dardiotis E, Messinis L, Pagano G. Pathophysiology and Symptomatology of Drooling in Parkinson's Disease. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Mar 11;10(3):516. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10030516. PMID: 35326994; PMCID: PMC8951596.
Q.
What could cause drooling from the left side of the mouth?
A.
Drooling from one side of the mouth can happen when the muscles or nerves controlling saliva aren’t working evenly, which may be due to medication side effects or a neurological condition such as Parkinson’s disease.
References:
Freudenreich O. Drug-induced sialorrhea. Drugs Today (Barc). 2005 Jun;41(6):411-8. doi: 10.1358/dot.2005.41.6.893628. PMID: 16110348.
Leung AK, Kao CP. Drooling in children. Paediatr Child Health. 1999 Sep;4(6):406-11. doi: 10.1093/pch/4.6.406. PMID: 20212951; PMCID: PMC2827743.
Polychronis S, Nasios G, Dardiotis E, Messinis L, Pagano G. Pathophysiology and Symptomatology of Drooling in Parkinson's Disease. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Mar 11;10(3):516. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10030516. PMID: 35326994; PMCID: PMC8951596.
Q.
What could cause salty saliva on one side of the mouth?
A.
Salty saliva on one side of your mouth might be due to a change in how your salivary glands work, which could be influenced by an infection, medication, or other local factors.
References:
Abduljabbar T, Alhamdan RS, Al Deeb M, AlAali KA, Vohra F. Association of Salivary Content Alteration and Early Ageusia Symptoms in COVID-19 Infections: A Systematic Review. Eur J Dent. 2020 Dec;14(S 01):S152-S158. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1716986. Epub 2020 Nov 26. PMID: 33242917; PMCID: PMC7775251.
Miranda-Rius J, Brunet-Llobet L, Lahor-Soler E, Farré M. Salivary Secretory Disorders, Inducing Drugs, and Clinical Management. Int J Med Sci. 2015 Sep 22;12(10):811-24. doi: 10.7150/ijms.12912. PMID: 26516310; PMCID: PMC4615242.
Zolotukhin S. Metabolic hormones in saliva: origins and functions. Oral Dis. 2013 Apr;19(3):219-29. doi: 10.1111/odi.12015. Epub 2012 Sep 21. PMID: 22994880; PMCID: PMC3530011.
Q.
What does it mean if you are producing a lot of saliva?
A.
Producing a lot of saliva can be a normal reaction or sometimes a sign that your body is trying to protect or clean your mouth, but in some cases, it might indicate an underlying issue.
References:
Iorgulescu G. Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health. J Med Life. 2009 Jul-Sep;2(3):303-7. PMID: 20112475; PMCID: PMC5052503.
Bozorgi C, Holleufer C, Wendin K. Saliva Secretion and Swallowing-The Impact of Different Types of Food and Drink on Subsequent Intake. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 19;12(1):256. doi: 10.3390/nu12010256. PMID: 31963804; PMCID: PMC7019672.
Thie NM, Kato T, Bader G, Montplaisir JY, Lavigne GJ. The significance of saliva during sleep and the relevance of oromotor movements. Sleep Med Rev. 2002 Jun;6(3):213-27. doi: 10.1053/smrv.2001.0183. PMID: 12531122.
Q.
What does white saliva at the corner of the mouth indicate?
A.
White saliva at the corner of your mouth may indicate that the saliva is becoming thicker or drying out, which can be a sign of irritation or even a yeast infection like Candida that can lead to angular cheilitis.
References:
Federico JR, Basehore BM, Zito PM. Angular Chelitis. [Updated 2023 Mar 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Taylor M, Brizuela M, Raja A. Oral Candidiasis. [Updated 2023 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Proctor GB, Shaalan AM. Disease-Induced Changes in Salivary Gland Function and the Composition of Saliva. J Dent Res. 2021 Oct;100(11):1201-1209. doi: 10.1177/00220345211004842. Epub 2021 Apr 17. PMID: 33870742; PMCID: PMC8461045.
Q.
What might cause excess saliva on one side of the mouth?
A.
Excess saliva on one side of the mouth can happen when one salivary gland or its control system acts differently than the other, causing more saliva to be produced or not cleared well.
References:
Miranda-Rius J, Brunet-Llobet L, Lahor-Soler E, Farré M. Salivary Secretory Disorders, Inducing Drugs, and Clinical Management. Int J Med Sci. 2015 Sep 22;12(10):811-24. doi: 10.7150/ijms.12912. PMID: 26516310; PMCID: PMC4615242.
Bozorgi C, Holleufer C, Wendin K. Saliva Secretion and Swallowing-The Impact of Different Types of Food and Drink on Subsequent Intake. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 19;12(1):256. doi: 10.3390/nu12010256. PMID: 31963804; PMCID: PMC7019672.
Iorgulescu G. Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health. J Med Life. 2009 Jul-Sep;2(3):303-7. PMID: 20112475; PMCID: PMC5052503.
Q.
What might cause slight drooling from the right side of the mouth?
A.
Slight drooling from one side of the mouth can occur when the nerves or muscles on that side do not manage saliva as well as on the other side, which may happen in early or mild neurological disorders.
References:
Polychronis S, Nasios G, Dardiotis E, Messinis L, Pagano G. Pathophysiology and Symptomatology of Drooling in Parkinson's Disease. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Mar 11;10(3):516. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10030516. PMID: 35326994; PMCID: PMC8951596.
Iorgulescu G. Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health. J Med Life. 2009 Jul-Sep;2(3):303-7. PMID: 20112475; PMCID: PMC5052503.
Huang T, Tang LL, Zhao JY, Shang SA, Chen YC, Tian YY, Zhang YD. Drooling disrupts the brain functional connectivity network in Parkinson's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2023 Oct;29(10):3094-3107. doi: 10.1111/cns.14251. Epub 2023 May 5. PMID: 37144606; PMCID: PMC10493659.
Q.
What might cause sudden drooling during sleep?
A.
Sudden drooling during sleep may happen because your mouth’s muscles relax, you swallow less often, or medications increase saliva production.
References:
Freudenreich O. Drug-induced sialorrhea. Drugs Today (Barc). 2005 Jun;41(6):411-8. doi: 10.1358/dot.2005.41.6.893628. PMID: 16110348.
Canfora F, Calabria E, Spagnuolo G, Coppola N, Armogida NG, Mazzaccara C, Solari D, D'Aniello L, Aria M, Pecoraro G, Mignogna MD, Leuci S, Adamo D. Salivary Complaints in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Cross Sectional Study on 500 Patients. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 26;12(17):5561. doi: 10.3390/jcm12175561. PMID: 37685630; PMCID: PMC10488611.
Thie NM, Kato T, Bader G, Montplaisir JY, Lavigne GJ. The significance of saliva during sleep and the relevance of oromotor movements. Sleep Med Rev. 2002 Jun;6(3):213-27. doi: 10.1053/smrv.2001.0183. PMID: 12531122.
Q.
Why am I producing so much saliva all of a sudden?
A.
Sudden, excessive saliva production can result from changes in your body, medications, or even stress and hunger cues.
References:
Iorgulescu G. Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health. J Med Life. 2009 Jul-Sep;2(3):303-7. PMID: 20112475; PMCID: PMC5052503.
Jansen A, Boon B, Nauta H, van den Hout M. Salivation discordant with hunger. Behav Res Ther. 1992 Mar;30(2):163-6. doi: 10.1016/0005-7967(92)90139-8. PMID: 1567345.
Miranda-Rius J, Brunet-Llobet L, Lahor-Soler E, Farré M. Salivary Secretory Disorders, Inducing Drugs, and Clinical Management. Int J Med Sci. 2015 Sep 22;12(10):811-24. doi: 10.7150/ijms.12912. PMID: 26516310; PMCID: PMC4615242.
Q.
Why do people experience drooling while sleeping and how common is it?
A.
People often drool while sleeping because their mouth muscles relax and they swallow less saliva, and this is generally common.
References:
Thie NM, Kato T, Bader G, Montplaisir JY, Lavigne GJ. The significance of saliva during sleep and the relevance of oromotor movements. Sleep Med Rev. 2002 Jun;6(3):213-27. doi: 10.1053/smrv.2001.0183. PMID: 12531122.
Kalf JG, Bloem BR, Munneke M. Diurnal and nocturnal drooling in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol. 2012 Jan;259(1):119-23. doi: 10.1007/s00415-011-6138-2. Epub 2011 Jun 23. PMID: 21698387; PMCID: PMC3251785.
Chen Y, Huang H, Ning P, Zhao Q, Wang H, Shen Q, Xu Y. Frequency and factors related to drooling in Chinese patients with multiple system atrophy: a cross-sectional study. Clin Auton Res. 2019 Dec;29(6):595-601. doi: 10.1007/s10286-019-00602-2. Epub 2019 Mar 12. PMID: 30864043.
Q.
Why does saliva collect in the corner of my mouth when talking?
A.
When you talk, you may notice saliva collecting at the corners of your mouth because you're swallowing less frequently and the natural movement of your lips can allow saliva to pool.
References:
Canfora F, Calabria E, Spagnuolo G, Coppola N, Armogida NG, Mazzaccara C, Solari D, D'Aniello L, Aria M, Pecoraro G, Mignogna MD, Leuci S, Adamo D. Salivary Complaints in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Cross Sectional Study on 500 Patients. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 26;12(17):5561. doi: 10.3390/jcm12175561. PMID: 37685630; PMCID: PMC10488611.
Iorgulescu G. Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health. J Med Life. 2009 Jul-Sep;2(3):303-7. PMID: 20112475; PMCID: PMC5052503.
Satzl M, Schmierer A, Zeman F, Schmalz G, Loew T. Significant variation in salivation by short-term suggestive intervention: a randomized controlled cross-over clinical study. Head Face Med. 2014 Nov 27;10:49. doi: 10.1186/1746-160X-10-49. PMID: 25428655; PMCID: PMC4289223.
Q.
Why is my mouth suddenly full of saliva?
A.
A sudden increase in saliva can happen when your mouth makes extra saliva or you’re not swallowing as often, which can be caused by reasons like burning mouth syndrome, certain foods, or even changes in your body.
References:
Canfora F, Calabria E, Spagnuolo G, Coppola N, Armogida NG, Mazzaccara C, Solari D, D'Aniello L, Aria M, Pecoraro G, Mignogna MD, Leuci S, Adamo D. Salivary Complaints in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Cross Sectional Study on 500 Patients. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 26;12(17):5561. doi: 10.3390/jcm12175561. PMID: 37685630; PMCID: PMC10488611.
Alhajj M, Babos M. Physiology, Salivation. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Bozorgi C, Holleufer C, Wendin K. Saliva Secretion and Swallowing-The Impact of Different Types of Food and Drink on Subsequent Intake. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 19;12(1):256. doi: 10.3390/nu12010256. PMID: 31963804; PMCID: PMC7019672.
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