Xerostomia Elderly
Cracking and fissuring of the oral mucosa or inner lining of the cheeks and lips in which skin at the corners of the mouth may split or become sore.
Xerostomia elderly. You can do some things to relieve dry mouth temporarily. In older people the most common cause is the use of medications with potential xerostomic effects mainly anticholinergic sympathomimetic sedative hypnotics opiates antihistamines and muscle relaxants 4. Dryness or a feeling of stickiness in your mouth saliva that seems thick and stringy bad breath difficulty chewing speaking and swallowing dry or sore throat and hoarseness dry or grooved tongue. Dry mouth in the elderly is often caused by medications and can have a big impact on a seniors health.
Causes of xerostomia in the geriatric population have been attributed to the use of medications chronic disorders and radiation therapy to the head and neck region. The best way to treat dry mouth known medically as xerostomia zeer o stoe me uh depends on whats causing it. In other cases xerostomia is not accompanied by an actual loss of saliva 3. To relieve your dry mouth.
Signs and symptoms of dry mouth may include. Xerostomia or dry mouth is common among elderly people and is typically associated with decreased salivary gland function. But for the best long term dry mouth remedy you need to address its cause. Dry mouth also known as xerostomia occurs when salivary glands dont make sufficient saliva to prevent the drying of the mouth.
If youre not producing enough saliva you may notice these signs and symptoms all or most of the time. Talk to your aging loved ones doctor or dentist about any difficulty or changes in eating tasting swallowing talking or denture retention.