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What Causes Dry Mouth In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Tue, 30 May 2017
Question: I am 82 yrs. old and have aserious dry mouth problem. Recently I have found that taking lemon honey sugar free cough drop lodged between my teeth and my gum allows me to sleep well and provides saliva. Are there serious problems with this? My email address is YYYY@YYYY
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Rule out diabetes first and than some advises given

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for asking at healthcaremagic.

I carefully read your question and understand your concern.

Having some cough drops in your mouth might be an issue to the teeth if it is acidic. If the cough drop is acidic in its PH it might cause some problems with the outer layer of the teeth.

On the other hand it is very important to find the reason for the dry mouth. Most of the time age is a factor and people tend to have dry mouth with time. There also conditions to be ruled out and the most simple thing to consider and be tested for is blood tests for diabetes. Diabetes might cause thirst and dry mouth. If you have not had this test done in the last 2 years this would be a good reason to have it checked.
Breathing through your mouth would cause your mouth to feel dry. This happens if you have chronic rhinitis and blocked nose.
Alcohol and smoking might be a contributing factor also.
1. If you do not smoke or use alcohol, you do not use medications that might cause dry mouth, your blood sugar is normal and no mouth breathing (your nose is not blocked) than you might consider saliva substitutes which might be spray gel or lozenge.
2. Sucking on ice cubes might bring some improvement of the dry sensation in the mouth.
3. Chewing sugar free gums might be something to try also as it helps us produce more saliva.

I hope this is helpful and answers to your questions but please feel free to reply in case anymore clarification is needed on this.

Kind Regards

Antoneta Zotaj, MD
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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What Causes Dry Mouth In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Rule out diabetes first and than some advises given Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for asking at healthcaremagic. I carefully read your question and understand your concern. Having some cough drops in your mouth might be an issue to the teeth if it is acidic. If the cough drop is acidic in its PH it might cause some problems with the outer layer of the teeth. On the other hand it is very important to find the reason for the dry mouth. Most of the time age is a factor and people tend to have dry mouth with time. There also conditions to be ruled out and the most simple thing to consider and be tested for is blood tests for diabetes. Diabetes might cause thirst and dry mouth. If you have not had this test done in the last 2 years this would be a good reason to have it checked. Breathing through your mouth would cause your mouth to feel dry. This happens if you have chronic rhinitis and blocked nose. Alcohol and smoking might be a contributing factor also. 1. If you do not smoke or use alcohol, you do not use medications that might cause dry mouth, your blood sugar is normal and no mouth breathing (your nose is not blocked) than you might consider saliva substitutes which might be spray gel or lozenge. 2. Sucking on ice cubes might bring some improvement of the dry sensation in the mouth. 3. Chewing sugar free gums might be something to try also as it helps us produce more saliva. I hope this is helpful and answers to your questions but please feel free to reply in case anymore clarification is needed on this. Kind Regards Antoneta Zotaj, MD