What Older Adults Should Know About Dry Mouth and Why It Can Get Worse With Age

Dry mouth is both annoying and potentially harmful, but you may be able to ease symptoms with help from your health care team and simple lifestyle changes. An estimated 30% of adults aged 65 and older experience xerostomia, the official name for this condition. It can cause frustrating symptoms, such as bad breath and oral discomfort. However, chronic dry mouth can also make it difficult to talk, chew, and swallow, and it should be taken seriously.

Understanding Xerostomia

Xerostomia is simply a reduction in saliva production that leaves the lips, throat, and mouth feeling dry. Normally, saliva coats your mouth in a protective barrier. If your mouth dries out, it's more vulnerable to germs and infections that can cause gum issues and tooth decay. Signs of xerostomia include bad breath, ulcers, and sore throats. You may also experience cracked lips or thick, stringy spit.

Chronic dry mouth can increase your choking risk and alter your sense of taste. This can make enjoying favorite foods difficult and negatively impact your nutritional and emotional wellness.

Is Dry Mouth a Natural Part of Aging?

Dry mouth isn't a natural part of aging, but it can become more common because seniors more frequently experience health conditions and take medications that cause dry mouth. For example, many prescriptions and over-the-counter products, including diuretics, antihistamines, pain medications, and high blood pressure medications, list it as a side effect.

Here are several other common causes among older adults.

Health conditions. Diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and oral yeast infections can alter moisture levels in your mouth.

Cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation therapies may lead to temporary or chronic dry mouth symptoms.

Injuries. Nerve damage to the head and neck can lead to issues with saliva production.

Alcohol and tobacco use. These products negatively impact oral health and hydration.

Snoring and breathing issues. Open-mouth breathing can quickly dry out your lips, mouth, and throat.

Dehydration. Many older adults, especially those with neurodegenerative diseases, find it difficult to stay properly hydrated.

Talk with your health care team if you frequently experience dry mouth. Your doctor, dentist, and pharmacist can help you pinpoint oral conditions, health issues, and prescription side effects that could be the cause of your symptoms.

Managing Dry Mouth Symptoms

While many issues cause dry mouth, there are also several things you can do to ease your symptoms.

Ask Your Health Care Team About Treatment Options

Your doctor and pharmacist can help you find alternative medications or adjust dosages to relieve symptoms caused by side effects. They may also suggest using artificial saliva or prescriptions that increase saliva production.

Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day

You can also talk with your caregivers about steps you can take at home, including ways to stay properly hydrated. Your doctor can guide you on how many ounces of fluid you should drink per day. Caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration, so you may need to limit their intake or avoid them altogether.

If you're frequently on the go, you may wish to consider taking a travel mug to stay hydrated as you visit points of interest here in Fort Collins, Colorado. Whether you're eating at The Gardens at Collinwood or out at your favorite restaurants, try to sip water frequently to make it easier to chew and swallow.

Try Simple Moisture-Boosting Habits

In between meals, you can sip water or suck on ice cubes to keep your mouth wet. To keep things interesting, try making your own ice and popsicles using flavored water. If you don't have a favorite brand, you can easily infuse ingredients, such as mint, fruit, and herbs, into water.

Snacking is also a good way to wet your mouth, especially when you choose water-rich fruits and vegetables. Options, such as watermelon, peach, and cucumber slices, provide a double bonus of moisture and healthy nutrients. If you enjoy sugar-free gum or hard candies, they may help stimulate saliva production. Just remember to consume treats in moderation.