Excessive drooling at 20 months is typically normal, often linked to teething, oral development, or sensory exploration.
Understanding Why a 20-Month-Old Is Drooling A Lot
Drooling is a natural part of infancy and toddlerhood. Around 20 months, many parents notice their child drooling more than usual, which can be puzzling or concerning. But this behavior usually stems from several developmental and physiological reasons rather than any serious health issue.
At this age, toddlers are still refining their oral motor skills. Their muscles around the mouth and tongue are gaining strength and coordination, but they may not yet have full control over saliva management. This leads to more saliva escaping the mouth.
Additionally, teething remains a significant factor. Some toddlers get new molars or canines around 18 to 24 months, causing increased saliva production as the gums become irritated. This excess saliva naturally spills out before the child learns to swallow it effectively.
Sensory exploration also plays a role. Toddlers at 20 months are curious about textures and sensations in their mouths. They often put objects or fingers in their mouths, which stimulates salivary glands further.
While drooling is mostly harmless, understanding its causes helps caregivers respond appropriately without unnecessary worry.
Teething and Drooling: The Connection Explored
Teething is one of the most common reasons for excessive drooling in toddlers. The process involves baby teeth pushing through the gums, which can cause discomfort and swelling. This irritation triggers the salivary glands to produce more saliva as a soothing mechanism.
At 20 months, many children are working through their second set of molars or canines. These teeth tend to cause more discomfort compared to earlier front teeth due to their size and position.
Increased saliva helps lubricate the gums and may reduce pain temporarily. However, the downside is that toddlers haven’t yet mastered swallowing large amounts of saliva efficiently. As a result, drool escapes from their mouths frequently.
Parents might notice other signs alongside drooling during teething:
- Chewing on toys or fingers
- Irritability or fussiness
- Slight swelling or redness of gums
- Mild decrease in appetite
- Occasional disrupted sleep patterns
Recognizing these signs alongside drooling provides reassurance that teething is likely the cause rather than illness.
Oral Motor Development’s Role in Drooling at 20 Months
A toddler’s ability to control saliva depends heavily on oral motor development—the coordination of muscles involved in chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
By 20 months, many children are still mastering these skills:
- Lip closure: Keeping lips sealed prevents drool from escaping.
- Tongue control: Moving the tongue efficiently helps swallow saliva.
- Swallowing reflex: Triggering timely swallowing reduces pooling of saliva.
If any of these functions are delayed or developing slowly, drooling can persist longer than expected.
Some toddlers might have mild hypotonia (low muscle tone) affecting facial muscles. Others may simply be focused on learning new speech sounds and movements rather than perfecting saliva management.
In rare cases where drooling seems excessive or prolonged beyond typical milestones, consulting a pediatrician or speech therapist for an oral motor evaluation can be helpful.
The Impact of Speech Development on Drooling
Speech development also influences drooling patterns. Around 20 months, toddlers begin forming simple words and phrases but require strong oral muscle control for clear pronunciation.
As they practice babbling and talking:
- Their mouth moves more actively.
- The coordination between breathing, speaking, and swallowing is still evolving.
- This can lead to occasional lapses where saliva escapes during talking or laughing.
This phase naturally involves trial-and-error with mouth movements contributing to intermittent drool episodes. Encouraging speech without stressing perfection supports both language skills and oral muscle strength over time.
Sensory Exploration: Why Mouth Play Triggers More Drool
Toddlers explore their world using all senses—especially taste and touch through their mouths. At 20 months, this sensory exploration peaks as children test new textures by mouthing toys, food items, fingers, or other objects.
This activity stimulates salivary glands intensely:
- The brain perceives mouth stimulation as a sign to produce more saliva.
- This extra moisture aids in breaking down food particles during eating.
- The child’s focus on exploring often overrides swallowing cues.
Drool becomes a side effect of this ongoing investigation process rather than an issue needing correction.
Parents can support safe sensory play by providing clean teething rings or appropriate chew toys designed for toddlers. This satisfies oral curiosity while minimizing messes caused by random items being mouthed.
When Drooling May Indicate Medical Concerns
Though generally normal at 20 months old, excessive drooling might sometimes hint at underlying medical issues needing attention:
- Oral infections: Thrush or gum infections increase saliva production.
- Neurological conditions: Disorders affecting muscle control (e.g., cerebral palsy) can impair swallowing.
- Allergies or reflux: Acid reflux irritates the throat causing increased salivation.
- Mouth injuries: Cuts or sores may lead to more drool due to discomfort.
If drooling suddenly worsens with other symptoms like fever, refusal to eat/drink, difficulty breathing/swallowing, lethargy, or persistent rash around the mouth—seek medical advice promptly.
Managing Excessive Drooling Effectively at Home
While some drool is expected at this stage of toddlerhood, there are practical ways parents can manage it comfortably:
- Keeps clothes dry: Use absorbent bibs made from soft cotton to soak up excess saliva throughout the day.
- Maintain skin care: Apply gentle barrier creams (like petroleum jelly) around lips and chin regularly to prevent irritation from constant moisture.
- Encourage frequent swallowing: Remind your toddler gently during playtime to swallow saliva when possible without making it stressful.
- Create distraction-free mealtimes: Focused eating helps regulate salivation better than snacking on-the-go.
- Soothe teething discomfort: Offer chilled teething rings or cold washcloths for chewing relief that also reduces excess salivation triggers.
Patience is key since most toddlers outgrow heavy drooling naturally by age two as oral muscles strengthen further.
Diet Considerations That Influence Saliva Production
Certain foods can increase salivation temporarily due to their texture or taste profiles:
| Food Type | Description | Effect on Saliva Production |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus Fruits (oranges, lemons) | Tart taste stimulates salivary glands intensely. | Increases drool during/after consumption. |
| Sour Candies (for older kids) | Sourness triggers reflexive salivation response strongly. | Avoid for toddlers; increases excessive drool risk. |
| Crispy/Crunchy Foods (carrots) | Chewiness encourages active chewing/saliva flow for digestion aid. | Mildly increases natural salivation but promotes healthy oral function. |
Introducing balanced meals with varied textures supports overall oral development while managing excess moisture levels better over time.
Toys and Tools That Help Reduce Drooling Effects
Several products designed specifically for toddlers help manage symptoms associated with heavy drooling:
- Bibs with waterproof backing: Prevent wet clothes underneath from chilling your child during cooler weather while absorbing dribble effectively.
- Sippy cups with spill-proof lids: Encourage independent drinking without spills adding extra moisture around the mouth area.
- Mouth wipes designed for babies/toddlers: Gentle wipes remove residual saliva periodically without irritating sensitive skin around lips/chin area.
Choosing high-quality items that combine comfort with functionality makes handling “wet phases” easier for both parent and child alike.
Toddlers’ Social Behavior & Drooling Impacts at 20 Months Old
At this stage in life, social interaction intensifies as toddlers engage more with family members and peers. Excessive drooling may sometimes affect social experiences:
- Toddlers might feel self-conscious if caregivers react negatively toward wet faces/clothing repeatedly throughout day;
However,
- This is usually short-lived since kids focus on communication growth rather than appearance concerns;
Parents should model positive attitudes toward bodily changes like drooling by maintaining calm reactions and encouraging confidence-building activities such as singing songs or reading aloud together—both promote speech development despite temporary messiness caused by excess saliva output.
The Timeline: When Does Drooling Usually Decrease?
Most children begin reducing excessive drooling between ages two and three as they gain better control over oral muscles involved in swallowing and speech production.
This timeline varies individually based on factors such as physical growth rate and whether any underlying issues exist:
| Age Range (Months) | Drooling Characteristics | Toddlers’ Abilities Developed |
|---|---|---|
| 12-18 Months | Drool peaks due to primary teeth eruption; frequent mouthing behaviors common; | Lip closure improving; basic chewing skills emerging; |
| 19-24 Months | Drool remains noticeable especially during teething phases; increased speech attempts; | Tongue coordination advancing; swallowing efficiency growing; |
| 25-36 Months | Drool significantly decreases; better self-awareness about wiping face; | Mature oral motor control; clearer speech sounds; |
Persistence beyond three years warrants professional evaluation just in case developmental delays exist affecting muscle tone or neurological function related to oral motor skills.
Key Takeaways: 20-Month-Old Drooling A Lot
➤ Normal at this age: Drooling can be common in toddlers.
➤ Teething signs: Increased drooling often signals new teeth.
➤ Hydration is key: Keep your child well-hydrated.
➤ Skin care: Protect skin from irritation around the mouth.
➤ Consult a doctor: Seek advice if drooling is excessive or sudden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My 20-Month-Old Drooling A Lot?
At 20 months, excessive drooling is usually normal. It often happens because toddlers are still developing oral motor skills and haven’t fully mastered swallowing saliva efficiently. Teething and sensory exploration also increase saliva production, leading to more drooling.
Is Drooling at 20 Months a Sign of Teething?
Yes, teething is a common cause of drooling in 20-month-olds. New molars or canines push through the gums, causing irritation that triggers extra saliva production. This helps soothe the gums but results in more drool escaping from the mouth.
How Does Oral Motor Development Affect Drooling in a 20-Month-Old?
Toddlers at this age are still refining muscle control around their mouths. Their tongue and mouth muscles are gaining strength but may not yet manage saliva well, causing excess drool to escape until swallowing skills improve.
Can Sensory Exploration Cause a 20-Month-Old to Drool More?
Yes, sensory exploration plays a role. Toddlers often put fingers or objects in their mouths to explore textures, which stimulates salivary glands and increases saliva production, leading to more drooling than usual.
When Should I Be Concerned About Excessive Drooling in My 20-Month-Old?
Drooling is typically harmless at this age, but if accompanied by fever, rash, or signs of illness, consult a pediatrician. Persistent drooling with difficulty swallowing or breathing may also require medical attention.
Conclusion – 20-Month-Old Drooling A Lot: What Parents Should Know
Seeing your little one dribble constantly at twenty months feels messy but usually signals healthy growth stages like teething bursts and fine-tuning oral muscles needed for talking and eating well later on. Understanding why your toddler is “drooling a lot” reduces anxiety while guiding you toward practical ways that keep them comfortable—absorbent bibs, gentle skincare routines around the mouth area, soothing teething aids—and supporting speech practice without pressure all make life easier during this phase.
Keep an eye out for sudden changes linked with illness or developmental concerns but rest assured that most kids outgrow excessive dribbling naturally within another year as they master swallowing techniques alongside exciting new words!