Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is caused by a decrease in saliva. Many elderly individuals are at a greater risk for developing dry mouth due to health conditions and side effects to common medications. Having a dry mouth causes difficulty chewing and speaking. Since one function of saliva is to wash away bacteria from the mouth, the decrease in saliva increases the likelihood of developing tooth decay, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Treatments for dry mouth include ways to increase saliva and avoiding things that increase dryness.
Adjust Medication
Some medications such as antihistamines or diuretics cause dry mouth as a side effect. Changing medications or altering the dosage might decrease the dry mouth. Do not alter or change medications without permission from the physician.
Treatment with Medications
Prescription medications are available to help increase saliva production. A physician will help determine if these drugs are appropriate for each individual. Available medications include pilocarpine and cevimeline, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Avoidance
Some substances such as caffeine, smoking tobacco and alcoholic beverages dry out the mouth. Abstaining from these items helps decrease the drying effects on the mouth.
Increasing Moisture
Eating and drinking items that help increase moisture in the mouth help relieve the symptoms associated with a dry mouth. Sipping water or another sugar-free drink throughout the day and during meals helps the symptoms of a dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sucking on hard candy will also help increase the moisture in the mouth.
Humidify the Air
Using a humidifier in the house works to increase the moisture in the house. This increased moisture helps eliminate dry mouth symptoms. Sleeping with a humidifier in the bedroom helps, especially for individuals who snore or breathe through the mouth at night. Both of these might dry out the mouth.
Flouride
Using fluoridated toothpaste or using a fluoride rinse before bed helps increase the moisture in the mouth.
Acupuncture
Some people find relief from symptoms of dry mouth through using acupuncture, according to the Mayo Clinic. The acupuncture procedure includes using tiny needles placed in specific areas of the body. There is no scientific study about how this therapy may work for people suffering from dry mouth.
