My Baby Has Stringy Saliva

Babies produce all kinds of saliva. So, if you are a nursing mom, you should expect to see saliva with a different appearance coming from your baby’s mouth. It can be thick, thin, sticky, or stringy. What is more worrying about this is that most parents do not understand why their babies produce these kinds of saliva. So, they may not know when the condition is a typical or medical concern.

One of the most challenging types of saliva that babies produce is the stringy saliva. Most parents find it challenging to understand this condition. So, when it happens to their babies, it leaves most of them feeling paranoid. If this sounds like you, then read this entire post. It will help you understand all about stringy saliva in babies and what you can do in such a situation.

What Is the Cause of Stringy Saliva?

There are many causes of stringy saliva in babies. They range from mild to severe medical conditions. One of the causes of stringy saliva in babies includes dehydration. If the baby’s mouth is dry, it means that there is not enough fluid in the body. This condition makes the baby’s saliva thick and stringy.

Another cause of stringy saliva is dry mouth syndrome. It is a condition where the mouth does not produce sufficient saliva. So, it means that the baby’s mouth will not have enough moisture, making him produce stringy saliva.

Is It Normal or a Health Problem?

So many things happen to newborns that may be beyond a parent’s understanding. Stringy saliva coming from the mouth is among those strange things you will notice among infants.

This condition may make a parent feel that she is not producing enough to feed the baby. Well, you are right to worry because stringy saliva is not mostly a health problem. The condition is noticeable when the baby is active, during a nursing session, and when they are half asleep.

Does This Happen to Other Babies?

Salivating and spitting is common among babies, and almost every child experiences this. However, when it comes to producing stringy saliva, the condition happens to specific infants depending on the underlying cause. 

If you are wondering if this condition cuts across all babies, then the answer is no. Unless the baby has the stated underlying condition, it is rare for the baby to produce stringy saliva.

However, this does not mean that a baby can’t produce stringy saliva even without any underlying cause. In rare cases, some do produce this kind of saliva even when they don’t have the stated underlying condition. However, if your baby is producing stringy saliva, it is good to see a doctor. A specialist is better positioned to find out if the situation is normal or the baby has a health condition. 

When Is the Right Time to See a Doctor?

When a parent sees her baby producing stringy saliva, she begins to think that maybe the baby is not getting enough. If your baby is going through this, the best thing you should do is remain calm and monitor your baby first. Provided that you are changing wet diapers and the baby’s weight is okay, it is reason enough not to worry.

However, if the saliva looks stringy and the diapers remain dry for long, then it could be a sign of dehydration. If your baby is showing a sign of dry mouth, then it should be a concern, and you should take your baby to a doctor.

Stringy Saliva Treatment

There is no specific treatment for stringy saliva. Medication for this condition will depend on the underlying cause. So, the best thing is to engage a pediatrician to identify the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment.

However, the typical treatment for stringy saliva conditions may include giving the baby lots of fluids. Using a vaporizer or saline drops will also help make the saliva less stringy. You can install a humidifier in the baby’s room. If the saliva glands are blocked, the doctor may recommend surgery to open up the glands.

Conclusion

Since stringy saliva in babies may be a normal condition or health concern, it is essential to ensure that you monitor this condition closely. To ease your doubts and worries, the best thing to do is to take your baby for examination. The doctor will diagnose the baby to identify if the condition is normal or a health problem that requires specialized care.