Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common but often overlooked issue among seniors. It occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty eating, and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Since saliva plays a crucial role in keeping the mouth clean and neutralizing acids, dry mouth can quickly lead to serious oral health problems if left untreated.
For seniors in long-term care, medications, chronic conditions, and dehydration are common causes of dry mouth. As caregivers, recognizing and addressing this issue can improve comfort, prevent infections, and protect overall health.
At Golden Care, we specialize in on-site oral healthcare for seniors, ensuring that dry mouth and other dental concerns are managed effectively—right where seniors live. Here’s how caregivers can help manage dry mouth and protect their loved one’s smile.
While anyone can experience occasional dry mouth, seniors are more vulnerable due to:
🔹 Medications – Over 500 common medications list dry mouth as a side effect, including those for high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease.
🔹 Chronic Conditions – Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome can reduce saliva production.
🔹 Dehydration – Many seniors don’t drink enough water, especially those with mobility limitations or cognitive impairments.
🔹 Radiation Therapy – Cancer treatments targeting the head and neck can damage salivary glands, leading to persistent dry mouth.
Since many seniors may not express or recognize the symptoms, caregivers should be aware of the signs.
🚨 Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or speaking
🚨 Frequent thirst
🚨 Cracked lips or dry, sore throat
🚨 Bad breath (halitosis)
🚨 Increased cavities or gum infections
🚨 A sticky or burning sensation in the mouth
If left untreated, dry mouth can lead to rapid tooth decay, gum disease, and painful oral infections.
✔️ Offer frequent sips of water throughout the day, especially during meals.
✔️ Provide sugar-free drinks rather than sugary or acidic beverages, which can worsen dry mouth.
✔️ Monitor fluid intake to ensure adequate hydration, particularly in seniors with mobility challenges.
✔️ Offer sugar-free gum or lozenges that contain xylitol, which helps stimulate saliva.
✔️ Serve foods high in water content, like melons, cucumbers, and soups.
✔️ Encourage chewing sugar-free candy or ice chips to keep the mouth moist.
✔️ Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to prevent irritation.
✔️ Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which dry out the mouth further—use alcohol-free or moisturizing mouth rinses instead.
✔️ Apply saliva substitutes (available over the counter) to relieve dryness, especially before bedtime.
✔️ If dry mouth is severe, consult a doctor or pharmacist to see if medication adjustments are possible.
✔️ Consider spreading out doses of medications that contribute to dry mouth (with a doctor’s approval).
Even with good daily care, seniors with dry mouth need professional dental cleanings more frequently to prevent decay and infections.
That’s why Golden Care provides on-site oral healthcare services, ensuring seniors receive preventative and restorative care without the hassle of off-site dental visits.
At Golden Care, we understand that dry mouth is more than just discomfort—it’s a serious oral health concern. Our on-site dental professionals provide:
✔️ Comprehensive oral health assessments to detect and manage dry mouth early.
✔️ Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
✔️ Gentle cleanings to remove plaque and bacteria buildup.
✔️ Personalized recommendations for saliva substitutes and oral care products.
By partnering with caregivers, we ensure seniors get the expert oral care they need—right where they live.
Managing dry mouth is essential for keeping seniors comfortable, healthy, and free from painful dental issues.
📅 Schedule an on-site dental appointment today and give your loved one the expert care they deserve.
