Caring for Seniors with Dry Mouth
Without enough saliva your risk of dental disease such as decay and periodontal disease is significantly increased.
We often get dry mouth when our salivary glands are not working properly.
Saliva is very important to our overall health.
Some common causes of dry mouth include:
- Medication: Hundreds of commonly prescribed medications can cause dry mouth. For example, medication for blood pressure, allergy and depression.
- Radiation therapy: Salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs to treat cancer can make saliva thicker causing the mouth to feel dry.
- Nerve Damage: Injury to the head and neck can damage nerves that communicate with salivary gland production.
- Disease: Some diseases effect glands such as Diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome.
Dry mouth treatment will depend on what is causing the symptoms. Your physician, dentist, or dental hygienist can help you determine what is causing your dry mouth.
Tips for Dry Mouth
- Sip water often, especially with meals, as this will help make chewing and swallowing easier.
- Chew sugarless gum to help stimulate salivary glands. Products that contain xylitol may help prevent cavities.
- Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol as it can further dry the mouth out.
Visit your Dentist and Dental Hygienist, at least twice yearly, for comprehensive care and prevention of disease caused by Dry Mouth syndrome.