Question
An 11-year-old child, 145 cm tall and weighing 65 kg, often drools while sleeping and has a poor appetite. Additionally, the child’s voice becomes hoarse immediately after speaking loudly or singing, making it difficult to speak normally, although there is no pain.
Answer
This phenomenon may be caused by the following factors: Firstly, poor oral hygiene may lead to drooling, as the temperature and humidity inside the mouth are conducive to bacterial growth. Food residue or sugar substances trapped in between teeth and on the tooth surface can easily lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. These stimuli may cause drooling during sleep. If there is inflammation in the mouth, it can also promote saliva secretion. For example, if the mouth is infected with bacteria, causing significant pain, regional medication is needed to promote ulcer healing, and the drooling will disappear accordingly. Secondly, malocclusion of the front teeth may also be a cause. This may be due to genetic factors or acquired bad habits such as biting nails, sticking out the tongue, or biting pencil tips, leading to malocclusion of the front teeth.