Dry Mouth Hits 40% of Seniors, Experts Warn
Dehydration, medications, and autoimmune disorders drive a condition that affects eating and denture fit.
By Rafael Delgado ·
Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, explains that dry mouth occurs when salivary glands fail to produce enough fluid. She urges patients to identify the underlying cause before seeking treatment. Rogers stated, “Basically your salivary glands are just not producing enough fluid. And so you want to know why. You know, always find your why.”
The American Dental Association reports that 30% of adults aged 65 and older experience this condition. The rate rises to 40% among adults aged 80 and older. Rogers lists dehydration, nerve damage, cancer, and autoimmune disorders as primary contributors. She notes that medications also play a major role in reducing saliva production.
Rogers emphasizes that dry mouth can serve as an early warning sign for people who are otherwise healthy. She said, “That might be their clue that you have something going on in your body. And this is your early sign.” For individuals with autoimmune conditions, the symptom often indicates that another issue is developing in the body.
Gerontologist “Sam” Cradduck explains that saliva performs functions beyond keeping the mouth moist. She compares the mouth to a car engine that lacks oil. Cradduck said, “People don’t realize just how important saliva is. Think about driving a car without any engine oil. It’s not going to last long.” Without adequate saliva, talking, eating, and chewing become difficult.
Rogers adds that saliva cleanses the mouth and protects tooth enamel. She notes that denture wearers are not immune to the problems caused by dry mouth. A lack of saliva can alter how dentures fit, making chewing harder and leading to discomfort, pain, and sores.
Cradduck manages her own dry mouth, caused by an autoimmune condition, by keeping gum in her mouth at all times. She also uses candy and hard drops to stimulate saliva. She advises avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes because alcohol is drying. She also names drinking and smoking as habits that worsen the condition. Sticky drops placed on the gums can help some patients.
Rogers states that medical treatments either stimulate underproducing glands or provide moisture when glands cannot produce fluid. Cradduck describes a patient whose salivary glands were removed due to cancer. This patient uses stickers around the gums to manage the condition.
Aging expert Amy O’Rourke recommends discussing dryness with a dentist at least once or twice a year. She suggests asking, “How’s my mouth doing? How’s the dryness?” O’Rourke identifies frequent coughing, recurring infections, and avoiding certain foods as signs of trouble. She advises patients to reach out to professionals to stay on top of the issue.
