Dry mouth in older adults

Dry mouth is common among older adults. Mouth dryness may be due in part to the effects of aging. As you get older, your salivary glands may secrete less saliva. Thirst and your perception of thirst also may change. Thirst receptors in your brain become less responsive to your body's need for fluids. For this reason, older adults are at increased risk of dehydration.

A common, reversible cause of dry mouth is a side effect of medication. Many medications can cause dry mouth, including:

• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants
• High blood pressure medications
• Drugs for urinary incontinence

Talk to your doctor about the possibility that medications you take may cause mouth dryness. Rarely, certain autoimmune disorders, such as Sjogren's syndrome, may cause dry mouth.

Methods to reduce mouth dryness include sucking on sugar-free lozenges, which can stimulate production of saliva. Signs and symptoms of inadequate fluid intake include less frequent urination and dizziness on standing or changing from lying to sitting. This may occur if your thirst mechanism isn't adequately reflecting your fluid needs. Your doctor may recommend a specific plan for fluid intake.