Slaver/ Dribble
Can I ask since I’ve finished radiotherapy I have a really bad problem with Slaver? I’m Constantly dribbling has anyone else had this problem if so how long before I can expect to see an improvement.
Two weeks post Rad now.

Rolf

Hello Rolf

We all swallow more than 500 times a day and usually clear our mouths subconsciously but
sometimes there can appear to be too much saliva because a person’s swallowing pattern is poor.
This drooling or dribbling is called sialorrhoea. Dribbles can occur if there is increased saliva (owing to ulcerations following radiotherapy) or reduced (or ineffective) swallowing or an inadequate lip seal that allows fluid escape during swallowing. Try to work out which. Try swallowing more often and forcefully with head tilted back to empty the mouth.

The drooling does not occur because more saliva is produced but because, without realising it, the natural tendency to swallow every now and again (even when not eating) is slowed down or is not done effectively. This, combined with holding the head down and an inadequate lip seal owing to surgery can affect the control of the saliva in and from the mouth. As a result saliva tends to accumulate in the mouth, and rather than being swallowed it can overflow.

Many people have poor lip closure following their surgery and saliva will dribble from the mouth if the lips do not seal tightly. Following surgery, there is also a tendency for the head to be bent forwards so that the chin points downwards. This will make the drooling worse. In some cases, simply improving posture can alleviate the problem. People who experience poor lip closure may be able to close their lips with their fingers or support their head up by cupping their chin in their hand. There are devices and exercises which can be used to retrain lip seal and your speech and language therapist can advise further. You can try these simple exercises at home in front of the mirror:

• close your lips as tightly as possible and hold for a count of four, relax, then repeat five times
  
• smack your lips together as if puffing on a pipe
  
• stretch your lips in a wide smile, hold for a count of four and relax
  
• purse your lips as if you are going to whistle or kiss someone, hold for a count of four and relax.

Hope that helps.

Best wishes
Vinod

Hello Vinod

Many thanks for your reply, I have started the exercises and keep trying to readjust my head well tilt it a bit and I’m really pleased to say it’s starting to work I have reduce my dribble by at least 50%. I’m also trying to swallow more.
Thanks again for you advice
Rolf

thanx dr this sentence in your post 'Try swallowing more often and forcefully with head tilted back to empty the mouth.' has helped me with a post... rolf i hope you find it getting easier now.i'd be interested to know

Good Sunday, Vinod.
These mouth exercises are just what I needed. I have started taking a very good but ghastly green powder vegetable complex called Natures Living. I've been taking it for a month now and feel so full of life with it.
BUT the green comes out in little slivers for hours afterwards, down th4 side of my mouth like long fangs if I don't constantly dab dab. I just hadn;t trhought of something so basic as the head tilt and the lip closing.
Thank you
Rosalie