Clinical prevalence of drooling in infant cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and severity of drooling in infant cerebral palsy (ICP) and analyze the possible surgical, pharmacological, myofunctional and novel alternative approaches to treatment of this disorder. METHODS A clinical study is made of a group of patients with ICP (cohort) and aged between 4 and 34 years, visiting a dental clinic for disabled patients. The classification of Thomas-Stonell and Greenberg was used to assess the presence and severity of drooling. RESULTS Of the total of 50 patients evaluated (52% males and 48% females), 58% presented drooling (mild in 44.4% and moderate to severe in 27.7%). CONCLUSION Over half of the patients with ICP presented drooling. Effective options are therefore needed for the treatment of this problem, which poses a series of negative effects for both patients and their care givers.