As we here at Freedom Home Care have discussed in previous blog posts, there are many changes that individuals will face as they grow older. Although some of those changes are quite expected, many of the signs of aging will come as a surprise. Dry mouth is one of these unforeseen items.

“If [seniors] have a chronic disease managed by medications, one of the side effects is dry mouth,” explained Dr. Marsha A. Pyle, director of the Training Center for Geriatric Oral Health and associate dean of Education at the Case School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, in an article posted on Best Data Recovery Software

aceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/senior-dental-problems” target=”_blank”>APlaceForMom.com. “There are 400 medications known to cause dry mouth,” Pyle continued, such as those prescribed for high blood pressure and depression.
The editors at APlaceForMom.com went on to say that “while a small amount of gum recession is normal as seniors age, dry mouth increases that recession dramatically, leaving the mouth more susceptible to root area cavities. And those root surface cavities advance more quickly on the soft surface of a tooth.”
To avoid future problems that can be exacerbated by dry mouth, be sure to talk to your doctor. And in the meantime, be sure to follow these 7 measures suggested by APlaceForMom.com:
1. Increase liquid intake.
2. Rinse mouth frequently with water.
3. Use a commercially available saliva substitute.
4. Use specially-formulated toothpastes, chewing gum, or non-alcohol-based mouthwashes.
5. Apply lip moisturizer frequently.
6. Suck on tart, sugarless hard candies.
7. Avoid dry, salty foods.