Scope - Communication Resource Centre

Saliva Management

Case Studies

Drooling - Scenario
"Tracey" is a 10-year-old girl who has cerebral palsy. She uses a wheel chair to get around and does control it herself with a hand switch, though her fine motor skills are not so good. Tracey does not speak clearly, and drools a lot. Her communication aids get very wet, and her mother finds she has to change Tracey's clothes at least twice a day. People sometimes stare at Tracey and her mother doesn't want to add to this by putting a bib around Tracey's neck. Tracey has had several visits to the doctor because her mum is concerned about her oral hygiene. The doctor just gives her cream to sooth sores that develop and tells her that nothing else can be done- her cerebral palsy is the cause for her drooling and that cannot be cured.

What can be done for Tracey and her mother?

Dry Mouth - Scenario
"Mike" is a 54-year-old truck driver who has been a heavy smoker and social drinker for the past 32 years. He has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Mike began his first period of chemotherapy 2 weeks ago, and now finds that along with hair loss and nausea, his mouth often feels dry and the saliva in his mouth is very thick and ropey. Mike also has difficulty sleeping, his mouth feels just so uncomfortable, but he puts the insomnia down to the large amounts of coffee he drinks to keep himself awake on the roads. He also continues to smoke and drink as he believes they are not the cause of his cancer, so why should he stop now?

What can be done for Mike's dry mouth?