Saliva shortages affect one in three older adults in Davidson County

Dry mouth affects 30% of adults aged 65 and older and 40% of adults aged 80 and older, according to the American Dental Association. This condition, known as xerostomia, occurs when salivary glands fail to produce sufficient fluid. It often presents alongside soreness, bad breath, and difficulty wearing dentures.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, stated that identifying the root cause is the first step in treatment. She listed dehydration, nerve damage, cancer, and underlying autoimmune disorders as potential triggers. Rogers noted that medications are also a common contributor. She emphasized that dry mouth can appear in otherwise healthy individuals as an early indicator of other bodily changes.

“Basically your salivary glands are just not producing enough fluid. And so you want to know why. You know, always find your why,” Rogers said. She added that if an autoimmune disorder is the cause, it may signal that “something else is going on” in the body.

“Sam” Cradduck, a gerontologist, described saliva as essential for basic functions like talking, eating, and chewing. She compared the lack of saliva to driving a car without engine oil. “People don’t realize just how important saliva is,” Cradduck said. “Think about driving a car without any engine oil. It is not going to last long.” Rogers added that saliva cleanses the mouth and protects tooth enamel, even for people with dentures.

Cradduck, who manages her own dry mouth due to an autoimmune condition, recommends keeping gum, candy, or hard drops in the mouth to stimulate production. “I keep gum in all the time. There is gum in my mouth right now. I sleep with gum in, candy, little hard drops, things like that that cause your mouth to salivate,” she said. She advised avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes because alcohol is drying. She also mentioned sticky drops placed on the gums as a helpful option for some patients.

Rogers explained that treatments generally work by either stimulating underproducing glands or adding moisture directly. Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, recommended discussing dryness with a dentist during regular visits. She suggested patients mention symptoms such as frequent coughing, recurring infections, or avoiding certain foods. “Stay on top of it by reaching out to the professionals,” O’Rourke said.

Cradduck described one patient who had salivary glands removed for cancer and now uses stickers around the gums to maintain moisture. These interventions help mitigate the discomfort and pain associated with reduced saliva flow.