Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 26
Experts Say 0.5 to 1.5 Liters of Daily Saliva Make Sleep Drooling Usually Normal
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 26

Experts Say 0.5 to 1.5 Liters of Daily Saliva Make Sleep Drooling Usually Normal

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 26
  • About 0.5 to 1.5 liters of Saliva are produced each day, and experts said waking up with drool on a pillow is generally normal.
  • During sleep, people swallow less often and lose some conscious control of the muscles around the mouth, allowing saliva to build up and escape.
  • Mouth breathing makes drooling more likely, while sleeping on the side or stomach — or dozing upright — lets gravity pull saliva out more easily.
  • Children drool more often than adults because their lip, tongue, jaw and swallowing control is still developing, and teething can increase saliva production.
While drooling in your sleep is normal, when does it become a critical warning sign for a serious health problem?
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