When we talk about kids’ oral health, the basics usually come up first: brushing, flossing, cutting down on sugary snacks, and checking for cavities.
But there’s another part of your child’s mouth that doesn’t usually get much attention: saliva. Saliva actually does a lot more for your child’s mouth than most people realize.
Why Saliva is So Important
For both children and adults, saliva is much more than just moisture in the mouth. It’s a hardworking fluid that quietly supports many essential functions in our daily lives. Saliva performs a range of roles that we often overlook or take for granted.
Makes Eating Easier
First, saliva makes eating much easier. Trying to swallow something like crackers or a peanut butter sandwich without saliva would be tough. Saliva keeps food moist and helps it move smoothly down your throat.
Helps With Tasting Food
Saliva also helps your child taste their food. If their mouth is dry, their taste buds can’t really do their job. Saliva breaks down food enough for those flavors to come through.
Kickstarts Digestion
On top of that, saliva actually starts the process of digestion while your child is still chewing. It contains enzymes that begin breaking down certain foods before they even leave the mouth.
Nature’s Mouthwash
But here’s where it really matters for dental health: saliva is always working to clean your child’s mouth.
It rinses away food particles that get stuck between teeth and along the gum line. It also helps wash away harmful bacteria that could otherwise settle in and cause problems.
Protects Against Infections
The enzymes in saliva don’t just help with digestion. They also help fight off infections. Saliva has natural antibacterial properties that help keep your child’s mouth healthier overall.
The Other Side of the Coin
We’ve been talking about all the good things saliva does, and it might seem like it’s only beneficial. But it’s important to remember that saliva can have a downside, too.
Just like it can wash away harmful bacteria, it can also transfer bacteria from one person to another.
This is especially important when you’re caring for babies and young children. When you kiss your child, share utensils, or even blow on their food to cool it down, saliva can transfer bacteria from your mouth to theirs.
If you have untreated cavities or gum disease, you could end up passing along those bacteria. It’s definitely worth keeping in mind, especially if you know you have dental issues that need to be addressed.
Does My Child Have Enough Saliva?
Most school-age kids with normal health make the right amount of saliva without any problems. Their bodies usually keep that balance on their own.
Still, there are times when a child might not produce as much saliva as usual, so it helps to know what to look out for.
Medications
Some medications can lead to less saliva. Allergy and asthma medicines are common ones that can cause this. If your child takes these regularly and you notice their mouth seems dry, or they mention it feels dry, it is a good idea to talk to their doctor.
Dehydration
Dehydration is another big reason for less saliva, especially when it’s hot outside or if your child is very active. Kids get dehydrated more easily than adults, and when that happens, they might not make as much saliva.
Making sure your child drinks enough water throughout the day is really important.
Fluid needs change with age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies around 6 months old need about 4 to 8 ounces of water a day until they turn one, since most of their fluids still come from breastmilk or formula.
Kids ages 1-3 need about four cups of fluids daily. Children 4-8 years old should get about five cups a day, and older kids need around seven to eight cups each day.
Read more: How Water Helps Boost Your Child’s Oral Health
My Child is Drooling Excessively, What Should I Do?
While not having enough saliva can be a concern, some kids have the opposite problem and drool a lot. This isn’t very common in older children, but it does happen.
When Drooling is Normal
For younger kids, drooling is usually pretty normal. Most of the time, it just means they are teething. When new teeth are coming in, the gums can get irritated and produce more saliva. Young children also haven’t fully learned how to swallow all that extra saliva yet, so some drooling is expected.
Finally, around the age of 3 months, many parents report a sudden excess of saliva in their child’s mouth and wonder if teeth are on the way.
This is due to their parotic glands, which are large salivary glands located right by your TMJ’s, become activated. So a lot more drool suddenly appears but it doesn’t necessarily mean teeth are coming soon.
Read more: A Complete Guide to Primary Teeth Eruption
When to Be Concerned
If your child is a bit older and already has most of their baby teeth, but is still drooling a lot, there could be something else going on. Enlarged adenoids or tonsils can make swallowing harder, which can lead to more drooling.
Sometimes a sore throat will cause temporary changes in saliva and swallowing. Mouth breathing can be a factor too, and certain speech development issues might also play a role.
If your child seems to be drooling more than what feels normal for their age, it’s best to check with their pediatric dentist or doctor.
Taking Care of Your Child’s Overall Oral Health
Saliva isn’t just an afterthought when it comes to your child’s dental health. Sometimes, changes in saliva are the first thing you notice when something is going on.
That is why understanding its role is important, and why we take it seriously as part of your child’s overall care.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Lafayette, our pediatric dental team is here to help families in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, and the greater Acadiana area.
We also work with a large network of specialists and can refer your child to one if needed. Have questions about your child’s oral health? You can give us a call or request an appointment online.