- Alzheimers and Dementia Blog – Alzheimers Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada - https://www.alzheimersblog.org -

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) and Alzheimer’s

Seniors often suffer from Dry Mouth, which is a lack of sufficient saliva, resulting in an uncomfortable feeling of dryness. People with Alzheimer’s are at higher risk as they may not drink enough water because their body’s signal for thirst isn’t as strong as it was. Some medicines can dry out their mouth, too. Below are helpful tips from professionals at the Blende Dental Group, which is home of the House Call Dentists, serving patients with special needs, including people with dementia.

Why Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) is a problem

drymouth [6]Your mouth produces up to one liter of saliva every day to help keep your mouth moist and healthy. Saliva is 99% water and acts to wash sticky, decay-producing food away from the most decay vulnerable area of the tooth – the root.

Without enough saliva to wash away bacteria, people are more likely to develop bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. They also might find it hard to speak or chew and they may notice food doesn’t taste like it used to.

What caregivers can do

If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, ask these questions:

How to get relief

Since Dry Mouth is particularly pervasive among seniors, and many people with Alzheimer’s may not communicate any issues, it’s important to monitor their oral health and eating habits. If you suspect there is a discomfort from Dry Mouth, or the severe decay it can induce, contact your local dental society to find the names of professionals who have experience working with people with dementia or with elderly patients.

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