my son is 10 months old and he drools a lot. what might be the reason

Question

Accepted Answer

Drooling is quite common in infants, especially around the age of 10 months. Here are some possible reasons for excessive drooling in your son:

1. Teething: One of the most common reasons for drooling in infants is teething. As teeth begin to push through the gums, it can stimulate salivation, leading to more drool  .

2. Developmental Stage: At 10 months, babies are also developing their oral skills, such as chewing and exploring food textures. This can increase drooling as they learn to manage food in their mouths  .

3. Mouth Breathing: If your baby has a cold, nasal congestion, or allergies, he may breathe through his mouth, which can lead to increased drooling .

4. Normal Variation: Some babies simply drool more than others as part of their normal development. If the drooling is not accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is often just a phase that will pass  .

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): In some cases, excessive drooling can be a sign of reflux, where stomach contents come back up into the esophagus, leading to increased salivation .

When to Consult a Pediatrician:

If your child shows signs of discomfort, has difficulty swallowing, or if the drooling seems excessive and is accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, or irritability, it would be wise to consult your pediatrician  .

For more details, you can read further on resources like What to Know About Drooling in Babies and Understanding Your Baby's Drooling.