When infants exhibit persistent drooling beyond teething age, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interprets this as "heart fire excess" disrupting yin-yang equilibrium, while modern medicine attributes it to immature cardiovascular regulation and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation. The TCM perspective emphasizes that excessive heart fire—manifesting as restlessness, flushed cheeks, and disrupted sleep cycles—consumes body fluids, leading to uncontrolled salivation. Clinically, this aligns with Western observations of elevated sympathetic nervous system activity, which reduces salivary gland control and increases oxidative stress in oral mucosa.

From a TCM diagnostic standpoint, such infants often display rapid pulse rates (over 120 beats/min at rest) and warm extremities, indicating yang predominance. Modern assessments reveal elevated cortisol levels and disrupted circadian rhythms, with 78% of cases showing abnormal salivary amylase fluctuations during sleep transitions. Integrative care strategies include TCM's "clearing heart fire" herbs like lotus seed core and lily bulb, paired with Western approaches such as cold compresses to the nape (stimulating vagus nerve tone) and scheduled oral motor exercises. Parents should monitor both sleep quality (measuring nighttime awakening frequency) and metabolic markers (tracking hydration through urine specific gravity) to evaluate progress. This dual-modality approach addresses not only salivary control but also foundational neuroendocrine development, reducing long-term risks of ANS-related disorders.