Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common condition among seniors and can lead to loose dentures, mouth sores, and even difficulty swallowing. Patrick Lloyd, dean of Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry, told AgingCare.com that seniors are susceptible to dry mouth because many take medications. As a caregiver, pay attention to the signs of xerostomia in your loved one.
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Here are five ways seniors can deal with dry mouth:
1. Consider the medications your loved one takes.
Your senior family member likely takes at least one or two medications daily. Unfortunately, many medicines out there can lead to dry mouth, including decongestants, antihistamines, and drugs that treat depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ask your loved one’s doctor if they could switch to a different medication.
2. Make sure your family member drinks water.
One of the simplest ways to relieve dry mouth is to drink plenty of fluids. Water promotes saliva flow and keeps the mouth lubricated. Encourage your family members to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Since the water taste can get boring after a while, tell your loved one to flavor it with a lemon or lime.
“Many medicines out there can lead to dry mouth.”
3. Say no to smoking.
Besides increasing the risk of heart disease and cancer, smoking can lead to dry mouth. The chemicals in nicotine can suck all the moisture out of a person’s mouth. If your senior family member smokes, help them quit the habit.
4. Try saliva substitutes
If your loved one is having trouble controlling dry mouth, suggest saliva substitutes. According to Medscape, saliva substitutes are made with a neutral pH and have electrolytes similar to those of normal saliva. These substitutes come in gels, sprays, and lozenges.
5. Get a humidifier .
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, so put one in your family member’s room at the retirement community. If your loved one uses a humidifier when sleeping at night, it should help with dry mouth.
These valuable tips can help relieve your senior loved one’s dry mouth. However, if your family member still can’t find relief, take them to a doctor.
