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Allergies or nasal congestion: If you’re congested and breathing through your mouth, drooling can increase. Treating allergies may help.
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Sleep apnea: Some people with sleep apnea drool more because they’re working harder to breathe. If you also snore loudly, gasp at night, or feel exhausted during the day, mention it to a doctor.
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GERD (acid reflux): Nighttime reflux can increase saliva production as your body tries to protect the esophagus. If you also have heartburn or a sour taste in the morning, this could be related.
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Medication side effects: Some medications increase saliva production or cause muscle relaxation. Check your prescriptions if this is a new development.
But here’s the key: For most people, drooling is normal, healthy, and nothing to worry about.
How to Embrace Your Drooling Self
If you’ve spent years feeling self-conscious about this, here’s your permission slip to let it go: