Keywords
Neurodevelopmental disorder
Drooling
Saliva
Evidence summary
Submitted : 2026-03-22
Accepted : 2026-04-06
Published : 2026-04-21
Abstract
Objective: Literature review on the treatment and management of drooling in children with cerebral palsy was conducted. The literature was screened, evaluated, and compiled into an optimal evidence table to provide evidence-based reference for the treatment and management of drooling in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the following databases for relevant evidence on the treatment and management of drooling in children with cerebral palsy: BMJ Best Practice, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, Embase, PubMed, UpToDate, Web of Science, GIN (Global Institution for Instruction), NGC (National Center for Health and Care Excellence), NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), JBI (Journal of the Institute of Evidence-Based Healthcare), Ontario Registered Nurses Association, SIGN (Scotland Institute of Instructions), Med live, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Chinese Medical Association, China Biomedical Research Center, Wan fang Data, and VIP (VIP Database). The literature types included guidelines, expert consensus, best clinical practice, evidence summaries, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. The search period was from database inception to July 30, 2025. All evidence related to the treatment and management of drooling in children with cerebral palsy was compiled, identified, and summarized to form the best evidence system. Results: A total of 22 articles were included, comprising 5 guidelines, 9 systematic reviews and systematic summaries, 3 expert consensus statements, and 5 randomized controlled trials. The optimal evidence framework contained 28 pieces of best evidence covering 10 aspects, including multidisciplinary team collaboration, comprehensive step-by-step assessment, overall treatment principles, behavioral therapy, physical therapy, drug therapy, intraglandular botulinum toxin injection, surgical treatment, radiotherapy, and dynamic follow-up. Conclusion: The best evidence summarized in this study is scientific and systematic. Healthcare professionals can use this best evidence to develop targeted interventions to alleviate drooling symptoms, reduce complications, and improve treatment efficacy and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy. Furthermore, when developing treatment plans, it is crucial to comprehensively consider the specific clinical context of the child with cerebral palsy, treatment effectiveness, follow-up adjustment results, and the wishes of both the child and caregivers.
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