Dry Mouth in Seniors: Causes, Risks, and How to Combat It

When you need senior dentistry services in North Little Rock, AR, come to Mounts Dental Care. We understand all about the oral health needs of seniors; including dry mouth, which is quite common in older adults. The condition is formally known as xerostomia to professionals, but you can call it dry mouth, and your dentist will know exactly what you’re talking about. Although this condition can be very uncomfortable, the good news is that there are ways to keep the mouth moist in old age.

Causes of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth comes about due to a lack of sufficient saliva production by the salivary glands. One of the most common reasons we’ve seen here at Mounts Dental Care is dry mouth as a side effect of prescription medications. Other causes include health conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome. Radiation therapy for cancer, especially in the head and neck area, can also damage the salivary glands, resulting in dry mouth.

Risks of Dry Mouth

Saliva is essential for protecting teeth from decay, proper digestion and keeping the mouth moist. Dry mouth can lead to difficulty with digesting food, increase choking risk and raise the risk of gum disease, oral thrush and tooth decay.

Combating Dry Mouth in Seniors

Consider one or more of these tips to keep the mouth moist:

• Drink plenty of water
• Limit alcohol consumption, as this dehydrates the body
• Ask your doctor for a different prescription medication
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
• Ask your dentist for ways to fight dry mouth

Managing dry mouth is essential for maintaining good oral health and improving overall comfort for seniors. Contact your North Little Rock, AR dentist today for an appointment.