10. Constant Drooling: The Slimy Symptom of Oral Thrush
It’s easy to disregard drooling as an infantile behavior or maybe attribute it to teething. Yet, constant drooling could be a silent but telling symptom of oral thrush. It stands out because of its seemingly innocuous nature; after all, it’s just saliva, right? But within this symptom lies a deeper, more complex issue.
Firstly, drooling can be a coping mechanism. Swallowing might be uncomfortable due to the infection, causing the child to opt for letting the saliva dribble out instead. You may notice your child often has a wet chin or even wet spots on their pillow after sleeping. The sheer volume of saliva produced can sometimes be astonishing.
A fascinating aspect of this symptom is its cyclical nature. Saliva is naturally antifungal, but if it’s not being swallowed and is allowed to pool in the mouth, it loses its efficacy. The saliva itself becomes a breeding ground for Candida, especially since it contains digested food particles and sugars.
Constant drooling doesn’t just affect the child but can also become a social concern. Older kids might feel self-conscious about it, given that drooling is often considered socially unacceptable beyond a certain age. The emotional burden adds another layer to this multifaceted symptom. (10)
